Method and device for vaporizing phyto material

ABSTRACT

Vaporization element, device and method for vaporizing phyto material. A hollow member defining a fluid pathway is positioned proximate a heating element with a phyto material contact surface. An electrical heater is positioned on the opposite side of the phyto material contact surface. Phyto material or extract deposited on the phyto material contact surface can be vaporized by heat from the electrical heater. The vapor can enter the fluid pathway and pass through the hollow member to an inhalation aperture. The electrical heater may be powered by an electrical power source provided in a support unit. The hollow member can be mounted to a vapor processing device that cools and/or filters the vapor before it reaches the inhalation aperture. The support unit may have securement mechanisms to attach the vapor processing device to the vaporization device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/889,262, filed Feb. 6, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/455,174, filed Feb. 6, 2017; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/460,875, filed Feb. 20, 2017; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/505,105, filed May 11, 2017 the entiretyof each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to vaporization of phyto materials,and in particular to methods and devices for vaporizing phyto materialsand phyto material extracts.

BACKGROUND

The following is intended to introduce the reader to the detaileddescription that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subjectmatter.

Aromatherapy generally uses essential oils for therapeutic benefits.Essential oils can be extracted from phyto materials, such as the leavesof plants. In some cases, essential oils may be massaged into the skinto provide therapeutic benefits. In other cases, essential oils may beingested or inhaled for therapeutic purposes.

In some cases, phyto materials may be heated in order to release theessential oils therefrom. By heating phyto materials at predeterminedtemperatures, essential oils and extracts can be boiled off. Dependingon the temperature at which the phyto materials are heated, an aroma orvapor may be given off. This vapor may be inhaled by a user for itstherapeutic benefits.

Various methods of vaporizing phyto materials, such as cannabisproducts, are known. Devices that vaporize phyto materials are generallyknown as vaporizers. These devices may be used to vaporize cannabisphyto materials at temperatures in the range of about 330 degreesFahrenheit to about 440 degrees Fahrenheit.

In some cases, oils or extracts derived or extracted from the phytomaterials may also be vaporized. For cannabis oils or extracts,temperatures in the range of about 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit may beapplied to vaporize these oils or extracts. In many cases, a metal orceramic element is heated using a torch in order to reach the desiredtemperature. The heated heating element may then be brought into contactwith the extract to generate vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled by auser, sometimes after passing through a cooling channel. In many cases,however, the torch may heat the element to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit,which can result in combustion of the phyto material extract rather thanvaporization.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to themore detailed description to follow and not to limit or define anyclaimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may residein any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process stepsdisclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided avaporization device for vaporizing phyto material and/or phyto materialextracts. The vaporization device can include a vaporization elementthat is usable to heat phyto material extracts to a desired vaporizationtemperature to generate an extract vapor. The vaporization device candefine a fluid pathway extending from the vaporization element to aninhalation aperture. The extract vapor can flow through the fluidpathway to the inhalation aperture whereby a user can inhale the vapor.The vapor may be drawn into and through the fluid pathway by a userinhaling via the inhalation aperture.

In some cases, the vaporization device may include a water pipe or othervapor processing device. The vapor processing device can define acooling and/or filtering portion of the fluid pathway that extends froma processing device input port to the inhalation aperture.

The vaporization element can include a heating element or phyto materialholder. The heating element may be shaped to receive and hold phytomaterial extract that is to be vaporized.

The vaporization element can also include an electrical heater that canbe used to vaporize the phyto material extract. The electrical heatercan be arranged to heat the heating element (or at least a portionthereof) which can in turn heat phyto material extract that ispositioned on a phyto material contact surface of the heating element.

The vaporization element can also include a vapor inlet. The vapor inletcan be positioned in close proximity to the phyto material holder. Thevaporization element may define a fluid pathway that extends from thevapor inlet to a vaporization element vapor outlet.

In some cases, the vapor outlet may be configured to be fluidly coupledwith the input port of a vapor processing device such as a water pipe.The vapor processing device may define a processing device pathwayportion that extends to an inhalation aperture usable by a user toinhale extract vapor.

In some other cases, the vaporization element vapor outlet may becoupled directly to an inhalation aperture. The vapor outlet may evendefine the inhalation aperture. In such cases, a separate vaporprocessing device may be omitted.

Typically, the vapor inlet may be positioned at least slightly above thephyto material holder. Accordingly, as the vapor rises from the heatedphyto material extract it can pass by the vapor inlet. The vapor maythen be drawn through the vapor inlet into the fluid pathway by a userinhaling through the inhalation aperture at the other end of the fluidpathway.

In accordance with an embodiment described herein, there is provided avaporization device for vaporizing phyto material. The device may beusable with a vapor processing device having an input port and aninhalation aperture with a processing device fluid pathway formedtherebetween. The vaporization device may be operable to vaporize phytomaterial and/or phyto material extract.

The vaporization device can include a vaporization element. Thevaporization element can include a hollow member extending from a firstend to a second end opposite the first end, the hollow member defining avaporization element fluid pathway from a vapor inlet positioned at thefirst end to a vapor outlet positioned at the second end, wherein thehollow member is engageable with the vapor processing device with theoutlet fluidly engaged with the input port of the vapor processingdevice; a heating element disposed proximate the first end of the hollowmember, the heating element defining a phyto material contact surface;and an electrical heater adjacent to the heating element.

The vaporization device can also include a support unit that isremovably mountable to the vapor processing device. The support unit maya bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, wherethe top surface has a securement mechanism for securing the vaporprocessing device to the support unit in an upright position when thesupport unit is positioned in an in-use position in which the topsurface faces substantially upwards. The support unit can also includean electrical power source; and, a control circuit electrically coupledto the electrical power source. The vaporization device can furtherinclude an electrical connector that is engageable with the support unitand the electronic vaporization element whereby the electrical heater iscoupled to the control circuit.

The control circuit may be configured to controllably provide electricalpower from the electrical power source to the electrical heater to heatthe phyto material contact surface to a predefined vaporizationtemperature whereby when phyto material is positioned on the phytomaterial contact surface a vapor is emitted. The vapor may flow from thefirst end of the hollow member to the inhalation aperture uponinhalation from the inhalation aperture.

The electrical heater may be positioned between first and secondelectrical contacts. The first and second electrical contacts can beused to complete a circuit through the electrical heater, e.g. bycoupling the electrical heater to a power source.

In some embodiments, the securement mechanism may include an adjustableclamp. The adjustable clamp may have a first jaw and a second jawdisposed opposite the first jaw, each of the first jaw and the secondjaw defining processing device engagement surfaces in a facingarrangement frictionally engage the vapor processing device when thevapor processing device is positioned between the processing deviceengagement surfaces; a clamp track section with a first track defining afirst translation path for the first jaw and a second track defining asecond translation path for the second jaw, where the first jaw andsecond jaw are translatable along the first track and the second trackrespectively towards and away from one another. The first jaw and secondjaw may be moved towards one another to frictionally engage a vaporprocessing device positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw.

In some embodiments, the clamp may include a lock coupled to the firstjaw and the second jaw, the lock may be adjustable between a lockedposition in which the first jaw and second jaw are secured in placealong the first track and the second track respectively, and an unlockedposition in which the first jaw and second jaw are translatable alongthe first track and the second track respectively to adjust theseparation between the first jaw and the second jaw.

In some embodiments, the first jaw and the second jaw may both bemechanically coupled to a lead screw. The lead screw may be rotatable totranslate the first jaw and the second jaw along the first track and thesecond track respectively with the lead screw rotatable in a firstdirection to decrease a separation between the first jaw and the secondjaw and the lead screw rotatable in a second direction to increase theseparation between the first jaw and the second jaw.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may also include a motor.The motor may be mechanically coupled to the lead screw and electricallycoupled to the control circuit. The control circuit can be configured tooperate the motor to controllably rotate the lead screw to change theseparation distance between the first jaw and the second jaw.

In some cases, the vaporization device may also include a twist lockcoupling having rotating portion and a static portion, the rotatingportion can be coupled to the adjustable clamp so the rotating portioncan be frictionally engaged with the vapor processing device using theadjustable clamp, and the static portion can be coupled with the supportunit, the twist lock coupling operable in a locked mode of operation andan unlocked mode of operation, in the locked mode of operation therotating portion and the static portion are frictionally engaged, and inthe unlocked mode of operation the rotating portion and the staticportion are unengaged.

In some embodiments, the securement mechanism may include an adjustableclamping mechanism having a first jaw and a second jaw disposed oppositethe first jaw, the first and second jaws can be mechanically coupled toa lead screw that is rotatable in a first direction to reduce aseparation between the first jaw and the second jaw and the lead screwis rotatable in a second direction to increase a separation between thefirst jaw and the second jaw; a twist lock coupling having a rotatingportion and a static portion, the rotating portion coupled with theadjustable clamping mechanism and the static portion coupled with thesupport unit, the twist lock coupling may be operable in a locked modeof operation and an unlocked mode of operation, in the locked mode ofoperation the rotating portion and the static portion can befrictionally engaged and the vapor processing device can be coupled tothe support unit via the adjustable clamp and the twist lock coupling,and in the unlocked mode of operation the rotating portion and thestatic portion can be unengaged and the vapor processing device isuncoupled from the support unit, where the rotating portion of the twistlock coupling is frictionally engageable with the vapor processingdevice using the adjustable clamping mechanism, and the rotating portioncan be inserted into the static portion and twisted into place with arotation in a locking direction to initiate the locked mode ofoperation.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may include a temperaturesensor in thermal communication with the heating element. Thetemperature sensor may be operable to measure a temperature of theheating element and to generate a temperature signal based on themeasured temperature of the heating element. The control circuit can beconfigured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensorand to determine a temperature of the phyto material contact surfacebased on the received temperature signal.

In some embodiments, the support unit may include a first wirelesstransceiver and a power coupling output port; the electronicvaporization element may include a power coupling input port, a secondwireless transceiver and a second control circuit that is electricallycoupled to the electrical heater, to the power coupling input port, tothe second wireless transceiver, and to the temperature sensor, and thesecond control circuit can be configured to determine a temperature ofthe electrical heater. The electrical connector may be connectable tothe power coupling output port and to the power coupling input port toelectrically couple the electrical heater to the control circuit; andthe control circuit can be configured to receive the temperature signalfrom the second control circuit via the first wireless transceiver andthe second wireless transceiver.

In some embodiments, the first wireless transceiver can include a firstoptical transceiver and the second wireless transceiver can include asecond optical transceiver. The first optical transceiver and secondoptical transceiver may be configured to communicate using opticalsignals.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor may be coupled to thecontrol circuit by the electrical connector when the electricalconnector is engaged with the support unit and the electronicvaporization.

In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to pulsewidth modulate the electrical power provided to the resistive heater tomaintain the phyto material contact surface at the predefinedvaporization temperature.

In some embodiments, the electronic vaporization element may include asecond temperature sensor and a second control circuit that iselectrically coupled to the second temperature sensor and to the firstcontrol circuit. The second temperature sensor may be positioned tomeasure a temperature of ambient air; and the control circuit canconfigured to determine the predefined vaporization temperature based onthe temperature of the ambient air. The control circuit may adjust thepower provided to the electrical heater based on the temperature of theambient air.

In some embodiments, the heating element has a phyto material contactelement with a second side facing the electrical heater, and the phytomaterial contact surface is defined on a first side of the phytomaterial contact element opposite the second side. Thermal energy fromthe electrical heater is transmittable through the phyto materialcontact element from the second side to the phyto material contactsurface.

In some embodiments, the phyto material contact surface may bemanufactured of glass and the electrical heater may be a ceramic heater.The ceramic heater may be separated from phyto material positioned onthe phyto material contact surface by the phyto material contactelement.

In some embodiments, the phyto material contact surface may be disposedproximate to, and below, the first end of the hollow member.

In some embodiments, the phyto material contact element may includeglass and the hollow member may include glass.

In some embodiments, the phyto material contact surface may includeceramic and the hollow member may include ceramic.

In some embodiments, the electrical heater may be releasably attached tothe heating element using a frictional coupling.

In some embodiments, the device may also include at least onelight-emitting diode (LED) electrically coupled to the control circuit,the at least one light-emitting diode can be arranged to emit light atleast partially towards the vapor processing device when the vaporprocessing device is in the in-use position. The vapor processing devicemay reflect and refract the light emitted towards and through the vaporprocessing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one LED may include a plurality ofthree-color light emitters arranged in a two dimensional matrix.

In some embodiments, the securement mechanism may include a suction cupdevice. The suction cup device may be usable to form at least a partialvacuum between the suction cup device and the vapor processing device.

In some embodiments, the securement mechanism may include an adhesivetape for adhering the vapor processing device to the support unit.

In some embodiments, the device may include a voice recognitionprocessor coupled with the control circuit, the voice recognitionprocessor may be configured to receive voice commands from a user for atleast one of controlling heating of the electrical heater, adjusting thepredefined vaporization temperature, and disabling the electricalheater. In some cases, the voice recognition processor may be an AlexaVoice Services (AVS) and a Google® Home Voice Services voice recognitionprocessor.

In some embodiments, the support unit may have a cavity shaped toreceive the voice recognition processor. In some cases, the voicerecognition processor may include at least one LED operable toilluminate at least a portion of the vapor processing device.

In some embodiments, the device may include a Wi-Fi module coupled tothe control circuit. The control circuit may be remotely configurablevia the Wi-Fi module to enable a user to remotely transmit commands forat least one of controlling heating of electrical heater, adjusting thepredefined vaporization temperature, and disabling the electricalheater.

In some embodiments, the device may include a Bluetooth® module coupledto the control circuit. The control circuit may be remotely configurablevia the Bluetooth® module to enable a user to remotely transmit commandsfor at least one of controlling heating of electrical heater, adjustingthe predefined vaporization temperature, and disabling the electricalheater.

In some embodiments, the control circuit may be operable to communicatewith a smartphone operating a smartphone application corresponding tothe vaporization device. A user may operate the smartphone applicationto transmit commands for at least one of controlling heating ofelectrical heater, adjusting the predefined vaporization temperature,and disabling the electrical heater.

In some embodiments, the device may include a speaker disposed withinthe support unit, the speaker may be electrically coupled with thecontrol circuit.

In some embodiments, the support unit may include an orientation sensorelectrically coupled with the control circuit, the orientation sensormay be operable to generate a tilt signal upon determining that thesupport unit is not positioned in the in-use position, and the controlcircuit may be configured to disable the electrical heater in responseto the tilt signal.

In some embodiments, the device may also include an extract ejectorhaving an extract output port and an extract reservoir fillable withphyto material extract; and an actuator electrically coupled to thefirst control circuit and mechanically coupled to the extract ejector,the actuator operable to actuate the extract ejector to deposit apredefined volume of phyto material extract from the extract reservoironto the phyto material contact surface via the extract output port.

In some embodiments, the extract ejector may be a syringe that can befilled with phyto material extract. In some embodiments, the extractejector can include a plurality of syringes.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may also include an ambientair input aperture upstream from the first end of the elongated memberfor receiving ambient air and a mass airflow meter in fluidcommunication with the first end of the elongated member disposeddownstream of the ambient air input aperture. The mass airflow meter maymeasure a quantity of ambient air passing therethrough and generateinitial air flow data based on an initial flow of ambient air passingtherethrough. The mass airflow meter may be coupled to the controlcircuit, and the control circuit may process the initial air flow dataand adjust at least one of the predetermined volume of the phytomaterial extract being deposited per unit of time onto the phytomaterial contact surface and the predefined vaporization temperature ofthe phyto material contact surface based on the initial air flow data.

In some embodiments, the device may include a robotic arm electricallycoupled with the control circuit and coupled with the actuator, the armmay be usable to adjust the position of the phyto material extractoutput port to a location proximate the phyto material contact surface.

In accordance with an embodiment described herein, there is provided avaporization device for vaporizing phyto material. The vaporizationdevice can include a vaporization element. The vaporization element caninclude a hollow member extending from a first end to a second endopposite the first end, the hollow member defining a vaporizationelement fluid pathway from a vapor inlet positioned at the first end toa vapor outlet positioned at the second end; a heating element disposedproximate the first end of the hollow member, the heating elementdefining a phyto material contact surface; and an electrical heateradjacent to the heating element. The vaporization device can alsoinclude an inhalation aperture in fluid communication with the vaporoutlet. The vaporization device can also include an onboard electricalpower source electrically connectable to the electrical heater and acontrol circuit electrically coupled to the power source. The controlcircuit may be configured to controllably provide electrical power fromthe electrical power source to the electrical heater to heat the phytomaterial contact surface to a predefined vaporization temperature.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided amethod for vaporizing phyto material. The method can include providingan electronic vaporization element having a heating element defining aphyto material contact surface, a hollow member having a first enddisposed proximate the heating element and a second end opposite thefirst end, the hollow member defining a fluid pathway extending from thefirst end to the second end; coupling the second end of the hollowmember to an input port of a vapor processing device having a vaporprocessing device fluid pathway extending from the input port to aninhalation aperture; mounting a support unit to the vapor processingdevice, the support unit having a first side and a second side oppositethe first surface where the second side of the support unit frictionallyengages the vapor processing device such that the vapor processingdevice is maintainable in an upright position when the support unit ispositioned in an in-use position in which the second surface facessubstantially upwards, the support unit comprising an electrical powersource; depositing phyto material extract onto the phyto materialcontact surface; and heating the heating element to a predeterminedvaporization temperature using electrical power from the electricalpower source whereby the deposited phyto material extract is vaporized.

In some embodiments, the method may further include drawing air from theinhalation aperture to cause the vapor and ambient air to flow throughthe fluid pathway from the first end of the hollow member to theinhalation aperture.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided avaporization element for a vaporization device. The vaporization elementmay include a hollow member having a first end and a second end oppositethe first end, the hollow member defining a fluid pathway extending fromthe first end to the second end, wherein the second end is fluidlyengageable with an input port of a vapor processing device; acylindrical vaporization section, the cylindrical vaporization sectionhaving a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, thecylindrical vaporization section having a vaporization section first endand a vaporization section second end opposite the vaporization sectionfirst end, wherein the first end of the hollow member is fluidly coupledwith a vaporization section volume defined by the vaporization sectionfirst end, vaporization section second end and the first inner diameter;a cylindrical heater section, the cylindrical heater section having asecond inner diameter and a second outer diameter, the cylindricalheater section having a heater section first end and a heater sectionsecond end opposite the heater section first end, where the second innerdiameter, the heater section first end and the heater section second enddefine a heater section volume within which an electrical heating unitis receivable; and a phyto material contact element having a first sidepositioned at the vaporization section second end and a second sidepositioned at the heater section first end, the first side of the phytomaterial contact element defining a phyto material contact surface.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical heater section and the cylindricalvaporization section may be coaxial.

In some embodiments, the second inner diameter may be greater than thefirst inner diameter.

In some embodiments wherein the second inner diameter may beapproximately equal to the first outer diameter.

In some embodiments, the vaporization element may also include theelectrical heating unit positioned within the heater section volumeproximate the second side of the phyto material contact element, theelectrical heating unit can include a resistive heater positionedadjacent to, or contacting, the second side of the phyto materialcontact element.

In some embodiments, the electrical heating unit may include a heaterhousing that is frictionally engageable with an inner surface of thecylindrical heater section.

In some embodiments, the electrical heating unit may further include aheat shield positioned between the resistive heater and the innersurface of the cylindrical heater section.

In some embodiments, at least one of the cylindrical vaporizationsection and the phyto material contact element may be manufactured fromsilicon carbide.

In some embodiments, the cylindrical vaporization section and thecylindrical heater section may be coaxial about a first coaxial axis anda cross section of the cylindrical vaporization section and thecylindrical heater section may be in the shape of the letter H.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatusor method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the featurescontained herein and that the features may be used in any particularcombination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will bedescribed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show moreclearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is perspective side view of a first example vaporization elementin accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a perspective top view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the example vaporization element shown in FIG.1A;

FIG. 1D is a perspective bottom view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a cut-away view of another example vaporization element inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1F is a top perspective view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 1E;

FIG. 1G is a top perspective view of another example vaporizationelement in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1H is a bottom perspective view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 1G;

FIG. 1I is a side perspective view of another example vaporizationelement in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example vaporization device inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the example vaporization device shown in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2C is a partial cut-away front view of the example vaporizationdevice shown in FIG. 2A in an open position;

FIG. 2D is a side view of the example vaporization device shown in FIG.2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective top view of another example vaporization devicein accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective top view of an example vaporization element andexample support unit that may be used with the vaporization device shownin FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective cut-away top view of the example support unitshown in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D is a perspective top view of the example support unit shown inFIG. 3B with a control panel in a first position;

FIG. 3E is a perspective top view of the example support unit shown inFIG. 3B with the control panel in a second position;

FIG. 3F shows a partial perspective top view of the example support unitshown in FIG. 3B with a first example of a vapor processing devicemounted thereto;

FIG. 3G shows another partial perspective top view of the examplesupport unit shown in FIG. 3B with a second example of a vaporprocessing device mounted thereto;

FIG. 3H shows a perspective bottom view of the example support unitshown in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3I shows a partial side view of the example support unit shown inFIG. 3B;

FIG. 3J shows a partial perspective view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective side view of another example vaporizationdevice in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the example vaporization device shown inFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows a side view of an inside detail of an example vaporizationelement that may be used with the example vaporization device shown inFIG. 4A in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4D shows a side view of an example support unit that may be usedwith the example vaporization device shown in FIG. 4A in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 4E shows a top view of the example support unit shown in FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4F shows a side view of the example support unit shown in FIG. 4Din a locked position;

FIG. 4G shows a top view of the example support unit shown in FIG. 4D inan unlocked position;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective side view of an example vapor processingdevice and another example support unit for a vaporization device inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the example support unit shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C shows a perspective side view of the example vapor processingdevice shown in FIG. 5A mounted to the example support unit shown inFIG. 5A with the support unit in a locked position in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 5D shows a top view of the example support unit shown in FIG. 5C inthe locked position;

FIG. 6A shows a side view of another example of a vaporization device inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the example of a vaporization device shownin FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows an inside detail of an example vaporization element thatmay be used with the example vaporization device shown in FIG. 6A inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6D shows a side view of another example support unit that may beused with the example vaporization device shown in FIG. 6A in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6E shows a perspective side view of the example vaporization deviceshown in FIG. 6A and an example external control unit in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 6F shows a perspective view of an example support unit that may beused with the example vaporization device shown in FIG. 6A with anexample vapor processing device removed in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 6G shows a perspective side view of the example vaporization deviceshown in FIG. 6A and an another example external control unit inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6H shows a perspective side view of another example support unithaving an orientation sensor that may be used with the examplevaporization device shown in FIG. 6A in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6I illustrates a perspective side view of another example supportunit that may be used with the example vaporization device shown in FIG.6A in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6J shows a perspective side view of the example vaporization deviceshown in FIG. 6A with another example vaporization element in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6K shows an inside detail of the example vaporization element shownin FIG. 6J in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6L shows a perspective side view of another example vaporizationdevice in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7A shows a perspective side view of an example heater for avaporization device in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7B shows another perspective side view of the example heater shownin FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows a top perspective view of another example vaporizationelement in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7D shows a cut-away perspective side view of the vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 7C;

FIG. 7E shows a cut-away side view of another example vaporizationelement in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7F shows a perspective view of an example contact element for avaporization element in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7G shows a top view of an example heating element that may be usedwith the vaporization element shown in FIG. 7E in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 7H shows another example vaporization element in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of another example vaporizationdevice with an example dose control apparatus in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of another example vaporization devicein accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9B shows a cross-section of an example vaporization element for thevaporization device show in FIG. 9A in accordance with an embodiment

FIG. 9C shows a cut-away side view of an example vaporization elementfor the vaporization device show in FIG. 9A in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 10A shows a cut-away side view of an example vaporization elementin accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of an example heater and temperaturesensor component that may be used with the vaporization element shown inFIG. 10A in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10C shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 10A showing the temperature sensor of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10D shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 10A with the heater unit and temperature sensorcomponent in a first position;

FIG. 10E shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 10A with the heater and temperature sensorcomponent in a second position;

FIG. 10F shows a partial cut-away side view of another examplevaporization element with an example heater component in the firstposition;

FIG. 10G shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 10F with the heater component of FIG. 10F in thesecond position;

FIG. 10H shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 10A with another example heater component in thesecond position;

FIG. 10I shows an exploded view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows an exploded partial cut-away view of another examplevaporization element in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11B shows a partial cut-away side view of the example vaporizationelement shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of an example vaporization elementwith an example heating element detached from an example hollow memberin accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 12A with the heating element attached to the hollow memberwith the heating element in a first position;

FIG. 12C shows a perspective view of the example vaporization elementshown in FIG. 12A with the heating element attached to the hollow memberwith the heating element in a second position.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the presentspecification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taughtin any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below toprovide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. Noembodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimedinvention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from thosedescribed below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses,methods and compositions having all of the features of any oneapparatus, method or composition described below or to features commonto multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions describedbelow. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition describedbelow is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any inventiondisclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosurein this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the exampleembodiments described herein.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “theembodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising,” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. Alisting of items does not imply that any or all of the items aremutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,”“an,” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

Embodiments described herein relate generally to vaporization of phytomaterial and phyto material products. Phyto material products maybederived from phyto materials such as the leaves or buds of cannabisplants. Derived phyto material products may be referred to by variousterms, such as oils, extracts, concentrates, tinctures etc.

For simplicity and clarity, unless otherwise specified, the terms“vaporizing phyto material” or “vaporization of phyto material” (andvariants thereof) are used herein as general terms to encompass thevaporization of phyto materials such as leaves or buds as well as thevaporization of derived phyto material products such as extracts.

Phyto material extracts (oils, extracts, concentrates, tinctures etc.)can be derived from phyto materials such as the leaves or buds ofcannabis plants. Typically, phyto materials may be leafy while phytomaterial extracts may have an oily or waxy consistency. These phytomaterial extracts may be in liquid and/or solid states. Heat can beapplied to these phyto material extracts to cause them to boil and/orsublimate and release a vapor.

In some cases, the phyto material products may be derived from plantssuch as cannabis plants using various processing techniques, which caninclude additives in the derived products. In other cases, they may beextracted directly e.g. from oils or resins secreted by, or excretedfrom, plants such as cannabis plants without additional additives.

Various phyto material products derived from plant matter can bevaporized for aromatherapy or therapeutic purposes. For instance, phytomaterial extracts derived from parts of the cannabis plants, such as thebuds and/or leaves, may be vaporized. A user may inhale the cannabisvapor to achieve associated therapeutic effects.

Various methods of vaporizing phyto materials, such as cannabisproducts, are known. For cannabis oils or extracts, temperatures in therange of about 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit may be applied to vaporizethese oils or extracts. In many cases, a metal or ceramic heatingelement may be heated using a torch in order to reach the desiredtemperature. The heated heating element may then be brought into contactwith the extract to generate vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled by auser, sometimes after passing through a cooling channel.

However, it can be difficult to ensure that the heating element isheated to the proper vaporization temperature. Accordingly, the processof heating the heating element tends to be a visual or time basedestimate of the proper heating time. This can result in the heatingelement becoming overheated and potentially burning the extract. Whenheating is performed by a torch, the phyto material extract may combustinstead of being vaporized. For example, the use of a torch may heat theelement to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can result in combustionof the phyto material extract rather than vaporization.

Heating extract to combustion temperatures may generate smoke and othercombustion by-products which can then be inhaled by a user from theinhalation aperture. The by-products of combustion can be harmful to auser. Additionally, inhaling smoke and other combustion by-productssimply provides a less enjoyable experience to users.

In some cases, vaporization elements may include electrical heatingcomponents or heaters. However, these heating components need to beplugged into a wall outlet, resulting in cumbersome devices requiringeither lengthy power cables or having limited mobility. These cables canintroduce additional dangers into the use of vaporization devices, asusers may trip over the cables and fall or cause the vaporizationdevices to tip over. If the vaporization device is heated, tipping canbe a significant fire hazard given the high temperatures involved invaporizing extracts.

Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods tovaporize phyto material and phyto material extracts. In general, thevaporization devices described herein include a vapor inlet that isarranged to receive extract vapor. The vapor inlet can be coupled to aninhalation aperture by a fluid pathway.

The vaporization device can include a vaporization element that isusable to heat phyto material extracts to a desired vaporizationtemperature to generate an extract vapor. The vaporization device candefine a fluid pathway extending from the vaporization element to aninhalation aperture. The extract vapor can flow through the fluidpathway to the inhalation aperture whereby a user can inhale the vapor.The vapor may be drawn into and through the fluid pathway by a userinhaling via the inhalation aperture.

The vaporization element can include a heating element or phyto materialholder. The heating element may be shaped to receive and hold phytomaterial extract that is to be vaporized.

The vaporization element can also include an electrical heater that canbe used to vaporize the phyto material extract. The electrical heatercan be arranged to heat the heating element (or at least a portionthereof) which can in turn heat phyto material extract that ispositioned on a phyto material contact surface of the heating element.

The vapor inlet can be positioned in close proximity to the phytomaterial holder. The vaporization element may define a fluid pathwaythat extends from the vapor inlet to a vaporization element vapor outletthat can be fluidly coupled to the inhalation aperture. In some cases,the vapor outlet may define the inhalation aperture.

The vaporization device may include a vapor processing device betweenthe vapor inlet and the inhalation aperture. In some cases, the vaporprocessing device may be a static (i.e. not active) processing device.

The vapor processing device can include a filtering portion and/orcooling portion. The fluid pathway may extend through the filteringportion and or cooling portion. Vapor passing through the fluid pathwaymay then be filtered and/or cooled as it passes through the vaporprocessing device.

For instance, a vapor processing device with a water trap, such as awater pipe or bong, may be used to provide a combined filtering andcooling portion. The water trap can be used to store water or othersimilar fluids. The water may serve to filter incoming ambient air andphyto material extract vapor as it propagates through the fluid pathway.When a user inhales from the inhalation aperture, vapor and ambient aircan enter the vapor inlet and percolate through the water trap to beinhaled from the inhalation aperture.

To generate extract vapor, a heating element may be coupled to the vaporinlet. The heating element can be heated until it reaches a predefinedvaporization temperature. Extract placed in contact with the heatingelement can be boiled by the heat to generate the extract vapor. As auser inhales from the inhalation aperture (which may be provided by thewater pipe), the vapor and ambient air flow through the fluid pathway,are cooled by water in the water trap, and inhaled by the user.

Embodiments described herein may provide vaporization devices that mayaddress the aforementioned deficiencies.

Vaporization Device

The following is a general description of a vaporization device that maybe used by itself or in combination with one or more aspects of thedisclosure herein, including a vaporization element, a support unit fora vaporization device, and/or a method for vaporizing phyto material.The following description contains various features of a vaporizationdevice that may be used individually or in any combination orsub-combination.

In general, a vaporization device in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein includes a vaporization element. The vaporizationelement can be used to vaporize phyto material and/or phyto materialextract to generate vapor that can be inhaled by a user.

The vaporization element typically includes a heating element with anextract holder portion or phyto material contact element that can beconfigured to receive phyto material extract. Phyto material extractthat is to be vaporized can be positioned in the extract holder portion(e.g. on a phyto material contact surface of the phyto material contactelement) to be vaporized.

A heater can be positioned proximate to the extract holder portion. Forinstance, the heater may be formed as part of the heating element andmay be positioned adjacent to, or even as part of (e.g. partiallyembedded or sintered into), the phyto material contact element. Theheater can be configured to heat the phyto material contact element (andthus the phyto material contact surface) to a predefined vaporizationtemperature. The predefined vaporization temperature can be selected astemperature suitable for boiling the phyto material or phyto materialextract to generate a vapor. The predefined vaporization temperature canbe selected to vaporize the phyto material without causing the phytomaterial or extract to combust.

In embodiments described herein, the heater may be an electric heater.For instance, the electric heater may include a resistive heater thatgenerates heat as current flows therethrough. The temperature of theheater may be adjustable to provide a desired vaporization temperature,e.g. by adjusting the level of current flowing through the resistiveheater.

The vaporization device also generally includes a fluid pathway thatextends from a vapor inlet to an inhalation aperture. The vapor inletcan be positioned proximate to the heating element. In particular, thevapor inlet may be positioned proximate to, and in fluid communicationwith, the phyto material contact surface. The vapor inlet may bepositioned to capture some or all of the vapor released when the phytomaterial extract is vaporized. The inhalation aperture can be used by anindividual to inhale the vapor received from the vapor inlet which canbe drawn through the fluid pathway.

The fluid pathway may include one or more intermediate portions betweenthe vapor inlet and the inhalation aperture. For instance, the fluidpathway may include a filtering section and/or a cooling section. Thefiltering section may filter the vapor (and ambient air) passing throughthe fluid pathway before it reaches the inhalation aperture. Filteringthe vapor may remove particulate matter that was entrained with thevapor as it entered the vapor inlet.

The fluid pathway may also include an additional cooling section. Thecooling section generally refers to a portion of the fluid pathwayproviding heat exchange between the fluid (i.e. vapor and ambient air)in the fluid pathway and other fluids (such as ambient air or water)adjacent to, or positioned within, the fluid pathway. The coolingsection may reduce the temperature of the vapor to a temperature moresuitable for inhalation.

In some cases, a combined filtering and cooling section may be provided.For example, the vaporization device may include a water trap positionedin the fluid pathway between the vapor inlet and the inhalationaperture. The water trap may remove particulate matter from the vaporand air passing through the fluid pathway. The water trap can also coolthe vapor passing therethrough.

In some embodiments, the filtering and/or cooling sections may beprovided by a separate vapor processing device. The vapor processingdevice can be coupled to the vaporization element. For example, a waterpipe may be used as a vapor processing device.

In some embodiments, the vaporization element may include filteringand/or cooling sections. For instance, the vaporization element mayinclude an elongated member defining the fluid pathway. The elongatedmember may cool the vapor as it passes therethrough because of heattransfer between the vapor and ambient air around the elongated member.In some cases, a filtering component such as a screen may be placed inthe fluid pathway to filter vapor passing therethrough.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may also include variouspower and/or control components. For example, the vaporization devicemay include an onboard power source. The power source may include one ormore batteries. The onboard power source may be used to provide currentfor the electric heating element. The onboard power source may alsopower other electric and/or electronic components of the vaporizationdevice, such as control circuitry that may be included in thevaporization device. In some cases, the onboard power source and/orelectronic components may be provided as part of a vaporization devicesupport unit.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a vaporization device 100.Vaporization device 100 may be used to vaporize phyto material and/orphyto material extract in accordance with an embodiment. Thevaporization device 100 can include a vaporization element 2000 and asupport unit 101.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the vaporization element 2000 can be coupled to avapor processing device such as a water pipe 421. The vapor processingdevice may be used to filter and/or cool vapor generated by thevaporization device 100 before it is inhaled by a user.

In some embodiments described herein, the vapor processing device 421may be provided as part of the vaporization device 100. Alternatively,the vapor processing device may be provided separately and may befluidly engageable with the vaporization device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the vaporization device 100 can include avaporization element vapor outlet 105 b. The vapor processing devicesuch 421 can include a vapor input port (input port 421 b) that can befluidly coupled to the vaporization element vapor outlet 105 b. Theinput port 421 b can be fluidly coupled to the vapor outlet 105 b todefine a continuous fluid pathway between the vaporization element 2000and the vapor processing device 421.

The vapor processing device 421 can define a processing device fluidpathway 8989 that extends from the vapor input port 421 b to a vaporoutput port 421 a. The vapor output port 421 a can be configured as aninhalation aperture. A user may inhale vapor generated by thevaporization device 100 using the inhalation aperture 421 a.

In some embodiments, the vapor processing device 421 may be omitted. Insuch embodiments, the inhalation aperture may be provided by, or coupleddirectly to, vapor outlet 105 b.

The vapor processing device 421 can include one or more filteringsections and/or cooling sections. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A thewater pipe 421 can include a water trap section 8988. The water trapsection 8988 can be positioned in the processing device fluid pathway8989 between the vapor input port 421 a and the vapor output port 421 b.The water trap 8988 can house water or another similar liquid, Vaporfrom the vaporization element 2000 can pass through the water in watertrap 8988 as it flows from the input port 421 b to the inhalationaperture 421 a.

The water in water trap 8988 may remove particulate entrained in thevapor 422 flowing therethrough. This may reduce or eliminatecontaminants from the vapor 422 inhaled by a user. This may provide theuser with a cleaner, more enjoyable experience.

The water trap 8988 may also cool the vapor 422 flowing therethrough.The vapor 422 may be generated by heating the phyto material extract 419to temperatures that may be uncomfortable or even painful for a user toinhale. Accordingly, the cooling pathway section provided by the watertrap 8988 in this example may reduce the temperature of the vapor to atemperature that may be more comfortable (and safe) for inhalation.

The water trap 8988 may also infuse moisture into the vapor 422. Thismay provide a more comfortable vapor for inhalation by a user.

As mentioned, vaporization device 100 includes a vaporization element2000. Various examples of vaporization elements that may be used inembodiments herein are described in further detail herein below withreference to FIGS. 1A-1I, 4C, 6C, 7A-7H, 9A-9C, 10A-10I, 11A-11B, and12A-12C.

The vaporization element 2000 generally includes an extract holderportion or heating element 106. The extract holder portion can receivephyto material extract 419 to be vaporized. A heater, such as resistiveheater 155, can be positioned proximate the extract holder portion 106.The heater 155 can be used to heat the extract 419 positioned in theextract holder portion 106 (i.e. by heating the extract holder portion106).

The vaporization element 2000 can define a vaporization element fluidpathway 103. The vaporization element fluid pathway extends from a firstend 105 a to a second end 105 b.

The first end 105 a of the fluid pathway 103 may also be referred to asa vapor inlet. The first end 105 a of the fluid pathway 103 can bepositioned proximate the heating element 106. When the heating element106 is used to heat extract, the vapor given off can enter the fluidpathway 103 via the vapor inlet 105 a. This vapor may then pass throughfluid pathway 103 to the vapor outlet 105 b.

In the example vaporization device 100, the fluid pathway 103 of thevaporization element 2000 can be formed by an elongated member 105. Theelongated member 105 may have a hollow central portion that defines thefluid pathway 103. Various configurations of the vaporization element2000 and vaporization device fluid pathway 103 are described in furtherdetail herein below.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the vaporization element 2000 can be coupled to thevapor processing device 8989, with the vapor outlet 105 b fluidlycoupled to the processing device vapor inlet 421 b. Extract vapor canpass through the fluid pathway 103 and into the vapor processing device421 via the vapor outlet 105 b and vapor inlet 421 b. The extract vapormay then pass through the processing device pathway portion 8989 toinhalation aperture 421 a where it can be inhaled by a user.

Vaporization device 1000 can include a support unit 101. The supportunit 101 may define a housing of the vaporization device 1000. In someembodiments, such as the example vaporization device 1000, thevaporization element 2000 can be disposed within the housing of supportunit 101.

The housing of support unit 101 may frictionally engage the vaporizationelement 2000. This may maintain the vaporization element 2000 within thehousing. For instance, the housing of support unit 101 may frictionallyengage the elongated hollow member 105 proximate where the second end105 b of the elongated hollow member 105 is engageable with the waterpipe input port 421 b.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device 100 may also include anon-board power source 156. The on-board power source 156 may be used topower the heating element 106. The on-board power source 156 may beprovided by the support unit 101. For instance, the power source 156 maybe enclosed within the housing of support unit 101. As shown in FIG. 2C,the on-board power source 156 may include one or more batteries 111,112.

The electrical power source 156 can be electrically coupled to theresistive heater 155. A pair of electrical contacts or leads 107/108 mayextend from the resistive heater 155. The electrical contacts 107/108may be electrically connected to the power source 156. For example,wires extending from the electrical power source 156 can be electricallyconnected, directly or indirectly, to contacts 107/108. This may enablethe electrical power source 156 to provide power to the resistive heater155.

The power source 156 can provide electrical power through resistiveheater 155 to heat the resistive heater 155. Heating of the resistiveheater 155 can impart thermal energy to the heating element 106. Theheating element 106 can in turn heat the phyto material extractpositioned on the phyto material contact surface.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device 100 may be configured touse power from an external power source, such as a wall power outlet.The vaporization device 100 may include a power coupling for such anexternal power source. In some such cases, the onboard power source 156may be omitted. In other cases, the power coupling may be provided inaddition to the onboard power source 156.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the heating element 106 may define a recess or wellin which the extract 419 can be positioned. This may facilitate holdingthe extract 419 on the heating element 106 during vaporization.

In some cases, the heating element 106 can be shaped to correspond tothe resistive heater 155. This may increase the surface area of theextract that is heated. This may also provide a more effective andconsistent vaporization of the extract 419.

For example, the resistive heater 155 may extend substantially acrossthe bottom side of the heating element 106 opposite the side on whichthe extract 419 is to be deposited. Alternatively, the heating element106 may be shaped to substantially surround the resistive heater 155 asshown, for example, in FIG. 4C. In some cases, the resistive heater 155may be embedded or partially embedded into the heating element 106.

The heating element 106 may include a phyto material contact element.The phyto material contact element may have a first side 106 a that ispositioned to contact the phyto material extract 419. In some cases, thephyto material contact element may be provided as an integral base ofthe heating element 106. The first side 106 a of the phyto materialcontact element can define a phyto material contact surface 106 a. Theextract 419 may rest on the first side 106 a when positioned forvaporization.

The resistive heater 155 may be positioned proximate to, or in contactwith, the second side 106 b of the phyto material contact element. Ascurrent is provided through the resistive heater 155, the thermal energy(i.e. the heat) generated by the resistive heater 155 can be transferredto the heating element 106. A portion of the thermal energy can betransferred through the phyto material contact element to the first side106 a that contacts the phyto material extract 419.

In some cases, a portion of the thermal energy from the resistive heater155 can also be transferred to the walls of the heating element 106.This may further increase the surface area of the heating element thatcontacts and heats extract 419.

As shown in the example of FIGS. 2A-2D, the heating element 106 may beannular. Thermal energy from the resistive heater 155 can be transferredthrough the base of the heating element 106 (the phyto material contactelement) and to the inner and outer sidewalls of the heating element106. The extract 419 positioned in the heating element 106 may then bevaporized in response to the heat applied from the phyto materialcontact surface 106 a as well as the sidewalls of the heating element106.

The vapor 422 generated from the extract 419 can pass into the vaporinlet 105 a of the fluid pathway 103. Ambient air 555 may mix with thevapor 422 as it enters the fluid pathway 103. This combination of vapor422 and ambient air 555 can travel through the vaporization elementfluid pathway 103 and the processing device pathway 8989 to reach theinhalation aperture 421 a. The combined vapor and ambient air can thenbe inhaled by a user.

As the vapor 422 and ambient air 555 travel through the fluid pathwaythey can be cooled as they contact the inner walls of the hollow member105. Similarly, the water trap in water pipe 421 may serve to cool thevapor and ambient air passing therethrough. This may reduce the heat ofthe vapor 422 to a more comfortable temperature for inhalation.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device 100 can also include acontrol circuit 113. The control circuit 113 can be coupled to theon-board power source 156. The control circuit 113 can be configured tocontrol the current being provided from the onboard power source 156 tothe resistive heater 155.

In some cases, the vaporization device 100 may also include atemperature sensor 170. The temperature sensor 170 may be used todetermine the level of heat being provided to phyto material extractpositioned on the phyto material contact surface. The temperature sensor170 may transmit a temperature signal to the control circuit 113. Thecontrol circuit 113 can use the received temperature signal to performvarious operations, such as determining the level of power to provide tothe resistive heater 155 or determining whether the heating element 106has reached the predetermined vaporization temperature.

In some cases, the temperature sensor 170 can be positioned proximate tothe second side 106 b of the phyto material contact element. Thetemperature sensor 170 may be positioned to contact the second side 106b. The control circuit 113 may then determine the temperature of thephyto material contact surface 106 a based on the temperature signalindicating a temperature of the second side 106 b.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device 1000 may include atemperature sensor that may detect the temperature of the phyto materialcontact surface 106 a directly. For example, a thermal imaging sensormay be used to measure the temperature of the phyto material contactsurface 106 a.

The control circuit 113 can determine the current temperature of theheating element 106 based on the received signal(s) received from thetemperature sensor 170. The control circuit 113 may then determine theelectrical power needed to heat the resistive heater 155 to the desiredtemperature. The control circuit 113 may set or adjust, if necessary,the power being provided to the resistive heater 155 so that the contactsurface 106 a of the holder portion can be heated to the desiredvaporization temperature.

Typically the predefined vaporization temperature may be defined betweenabout 300 degrees Fahrenheit and 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The predefinedvaporization temperature may vary depending on whether the vaporizationdevice 100 is used for phyto materials or phyto material extracts. Ingeneral, the predetermined vaporization temperature will be greater forphyto material extracts than for phyto material, in the form of leaf.For instance, phyto materials may have a predetermined vaporizationtemperature less than 440 degrees Fahrenheit.

The control circuit 113 may also determine that the heating element 106(or at least phyto material contact surface 106 a) has been heated tothe predetermined vaporization temperature. In such cases, the controlcircuit 113 may generate an output signal indicating that extract can bepositioned on the phyto material contact surface 106 a. For example, thecontrol circuit 113 may adjust the color of an LED or LED display toindicate that the predetermined vaporization temperature has beenreached. In other cases, the control circuit 113 may enable an extractinsertion apparatus (see e.g. FIGS. 6L and 8 ) to deposit extract on thephyto material contact surface 106 a when the predetermined vaporizationtemperature has been reached.

The vaporization devices described herein may include various types ofuser interfaces. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, an exampleinfrared interface unit is shown. The example infrared interface unit ofvaporization device 2000 can include an infrared transmitter 115 that isexposed by the housing of support unit 101. The example infraredinterface unit of vaporization device 2000 can also include an infraredreceiver 116 exposed by the housing of support unit 101. In some cases,a combined transceiver may also be used. As shown in FIG. 2C, theinfrared transmitter 115 and infrared received 116 may protrude abovethe surface of the housing of support unit 101.

Each of the infrared transmitter 115 and infrared receiver 116 can becoupled to control circuit 113. The infrared transmitter 115 can emit aninfrared signal 119 into a region near the vaporization device 100. Theinfrared signal 119 may be reflected by an object 200 and transmittedback towards the vaporization device 100 and infrared receiver 116. Thedetection of the infrared signal 119 by receiver 116 can operate as anactivation signal to initiate heating of the resistive heater 155. Thatis, in response to the control circuit 113 determining that receiver 116has detected the infrared signal 119, the control circuit 113 can enablecurrent to flow through the resistive heater 155 to heat the heatingelement 106 to the vaporization temperature.

For instance, the object 120 may be a user's hand. A user may place orwave their hand over the top of the vaporization device 100 to cause theinfrared signal 119 to be reflected to receiver 116 and activate theheating element 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3J, shown therein is another exampleembodiment of a vaporization device 1000. In the example shown, thevaporization device 1000 includes a vaporization element 2000, a supportunit 1001 and a vapor processing device 421. A fluid pathway can bedefined extending from a vapor inlet 105 a to an inhalation aperture 421a.

Extract 419 can be positioned in the heating element 106 of thevaporization element 2000 and vaporized. The vapor 422 (and some ambientair) can then pass through the fluid pathway 103 defined by vaporizationelement 2000, into the water pipe 421 via input port 421 b, and passthrough the water pipe 421 to inhalation aperture 421 a. As the vapor422 passes through the water pipe 421 it can be filtered and/or cooledby water held within the processing device pathway portion 8989 beforebeing inhaled by a user.

The support unit 1001 can also include a securement mechanism forsecuring the vapor processing device 421 to vaporization device 1000.Various examples of support unit securing mechanisms are described infurther detail herein below. The support unit securing mechanisms can beused to fasten a processing device such as a water pipe 421 to thesupport unit 1001. This may ensure that the water pipe 421 remains inposition to facilitate vaporization using the vaporization element 2000,particularly when the vaporization element 2000 is coupled to supportunit 1001.

For instance, a frictional engagement mechanism may be used to securethe bottom portion of the processing device 421 to the support unit1001. As exemplified in FIG. 3B, the frictional engagement mechanism maybe in the form of an adjustable clamp 1002.

The vaporization element 2000 can include an electrical heater, such asa resistive heater 155. As mentioned above, embodiments of thevaporization devices described herein may include an onboard electricalpower source. For instance, the support unit 1001 can include an onboardelectrical power source 156 that can be used to power the vaporizationelement 2000. Accordingly, the vaporization element 2000 can beelectrically coupled to the support unit 1001 by a power coupling 2000b.

The vaporization element 2000 can also be electrically coupled to avaporization device control circuit 113. In the vaporization device1000, the control circuit 113 may be housed in the support unit 1001.

A connector cable 2000 b can be used to electrically couple thevaporization element 2000 to the support unit 1001. In some cases, theconnector cable 2000 b may be provided as a separate component from thevaporization element 2000 and the support unit 101. Alternatively, theconnector cable 2000 b may be integral with the support unit 101 andengageable with a vaporization element 2000. Alternatively, theconnector cable 2000 b may be omitted, e.g. in embodiments where thevaporization element 2000 and support unit 101 are integrated (see e.g.FIGS. 2A-2D).

The vaporization element 2000 and support unit 1001 can each includeconnector ports that correspond to the connector cable 2000 b. Theconnector ports may enable various signals (e.g. power, control, sensoretc.) to be transmitted using cable 2000 b.

For instance, the vaporization element 2000 can include a coupling port2000 c that provides electrical coupling to power the resistive heater155. The coupling port 2000 c can include couplings to electricalcontacts 107/108 that provide power to the resistive heater 155.

The coupling port 2000 c can also provide additional coupling to allowsensors signals, such as temperature sensor signals, to be transmittedto the control circuit 113 via connector cable 2000 b. For instance, thecoupling port 2000 c can include a temperature signal output port 170 acoupled to temperature sensor 170.

In some cases, the connector cable 2000 b can include magnetic couplingsat one or both ends. Alternatively, the connector cable 2000 b may havemechanical couplings at one or both ends.

Magnetic couplings may secure the connector cable 2000 b to thevaporization element 2000 and/or the support unit 1001. For example,FIG. 3J illustrates a pair of magnets 1974 a positioned on avaporization element end of the connector cable 2000 b. The vaporizationelement 2000 can include a correspond pair of magnets 1974 b. Themagnets 1974 a and 1974 b can be used to secure the connector cable 2000b to the vaporization element 2000.

In some cases, the polarity of the magnets in magnet pairs 1974 a and1974 b can be arranged to ensure that the connector cable 2000 b can besecured only in the proper connection orientation. This can furtherensure that the proper electrical coupling between the vaporizationelement 2000 and the control circuit 113 is provided.

In some cases, the user interface of vaporization device 1000 1001 mayinclude a temperature indicator. For example, the vaporization device1000 may include a display showing a numerical temperature value or atemperature status with readings such as “heating” and “ready”.

In some cases, the temperature indicator may represent the temperatureof the heating element 106 using various colors. For example, thevaporization device 1000 may include a multi-colored interfacecomponent. The multi-colored interface component may be in the form of amulti-colored LED 1500. As shown in FIG. 3B, the LED 1500 may beprovided by the support unit 1001. The LED 1500 can be exposed by thehousing of support unit 1001 and visible to a user of vaporizationdevice 1000.

The LED 1500 can be arranged within the support unit 1001 to directlight towards a vapor processing device such as water pipe 421 that issecured to the support unit 1001. This may increase the visibility ofthe light of LED 1500, for instance as it passes through and isreflected by the processing device 421 and any water that may beretained therein. As shown in FIG. 3B, the LED 1500 can be positionedbelow the surface of the support unit 1001 that is intended to receivethe vapor processing device.

The LED 1500 can be electrically coupled to the control circuit 113. Thecontrol circuit 113 may control the LED 1500 to provide a status signalindicating the current status of the vaporization device 1000.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D for example, a LED display 1501may be provided that includes a plurality of three color light emitters.The plurality of LEDs may arranged in a pattern, such as a twodimensional matrix. The LED display may be electrically coupled withfirst control circuit 113 and operable to illuminate the water pipe.Additionally or alternatively, one or more laser light emitters may beusable to illuminate the water pipe 8421. Such light emitting componentsmay transmit light to the water pipe 8421 where it may be reflectedand/or refracted to generate a changeable visual display.

The control circuit 113 may change the color of LED 1500 to provide astatus signal indicative of the temperature of the vaporization element2000 (e.g. as identified from temperature signals received from thetemperature sensor 170). For example, the LED 1500 may have a blue color(indicating that the heating element 106 has not yet reached thevaporization temperature) when a temperature of the resistive heater 155is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and transition to a red color when thetemperature of the resistive heater 155 has substantially reached thevaporization temperature, e.g. around 600 degrees Fahrenheit. In somecases, the LED 1500 may be a three colored LED (e.g. red, green, blue).

As will be appreciated, various different colors and transitions may beused to indicate the state of the vaporization device 1000. Forinstance, the control circuit 113 may also control the LED 1500 toprovide a status signal indicating a power status of the onboardelectrical power source 156.

As shown in the example of FIG. 3C, the control circuit 113 can includea processing component 113 a. The processing component 113 a can be usedto process incoming signals, such as temperature signals from thevaporization element 2000 and/or power level signals from the onboardelectrical power source 156. The processing component 113 a can alsodetermine the level of power to provide to the resistive heater 155. Theprocessing component 113 a can also control the flow of current from thepower source 156 to the contacts 107/108 of the vaporization element2000 to controllably heat the resistive heater 155.

In some cases, the user interface unit of the vaporization device 1000may include a control panel 1200 (see e.g. FIGS. 3D and 3E). The surface1200 a of control panel 1200 may include various user inputs, such asinput buttons 1200 c and 1200 d. The control panel 1200 may also includean output interface, such as display 1200 b.

The display 1200 b may be implemented using an OLED display screen or anLCD display for example. In various embodiments vaporization device 1000may include display 1200 b in addition to, or in place of, statusindicator 1500.

The display 1200 b can be used to display status information indicatingthe status of various components of the vaporization device 1000. Thedisplay 1200 b can be coupled to control circuit 113. The controlcircuit 113 can define the status information to be shown on display1200 b. For example, the display 1200 b can display a temperature statusindicating the temperature of the vaporization element 2000. The display1200 b may also show other status indicators, such as a power level ofthe onboard power source 156.

The display 1200 b may also provide other status information regardingthe configuration of the vaporization device 1000. For instance, thecontrol circuit 113 may determine whether the vaporization element 2000is currently coupled to the control circuit 113. The display 1200 b maythen provide a connection status indicator that identifies whether thevaporization element 2000 is correctly coupled to the control circuit113.

The user inputs on control panel 1200 can include an activation button1200 c. The activation button 1200 c can be coupled to the controlcircuit 113. The activation button 1200 c can be used to enable/disableoperation of the control circuit 113. In other words, the activationbutton 1200 c may operate as an on/off switch.

The user inputs on control panel 1200 can also include a temperaturesetting input 1200 d. The temperature setting input 1200 d can beelectrically coupled to the control circuit 113 to provide user inputsadjusting the vaporization temperature to be applied to the vaporizationelement 2000.

The vaporization device 1000 may have a range of vaporizationtemperatures that can be selected by a user. For instance, thevaporization temperatures may range from about 100 degrees Celsius to400 degrees Celsius. A user may wish to adjust the vaporizationtemperatures, for instance, when vaporizing phyto material rather thanphyto material extracts (or vice versa) using the vaporization device1000. Users may also adjust the vaporization temperatures based onpersonal preference. The user interface unit may provide input/outputcomponents that enable the user to adjust the vaporization temperature.

As in the example shown, the temperature setting input 1200 d can beconfigured as a rocker button. As will be appreciated, various othertypes of user interfaces may be used, such as touchscreen interfaces.Similarly, various other button configurations may be used, such ashaving multiple buttons to provide temperature setting input 1200 d.

The display 1200 b may also provide various configuration settings forthe vaporization device 1000. For instance, auto shut-off times andother settings may be adjusted by a user e.g. through input buttons 1200c and 1200 d or another user interface such as a touchscreen or mobileapplication.

In some cases, the user interfaces may also include remote input and/oroutput interfaces. For instance, the vaporization device 1000 may bewirelessly coupled with a smartphone or other device that can be used toprovide the user interfaces.

For example, the vaporization device 1000 may include a wirelesscommunication module 113 w (see e.g. FIG. 6G). For instance, thewireless communication module 113 w can be implemented to support Wi-Ficommunication. The wireless communication module 113 w may be providedas part of the support unit 1001 or may be coupled to the support unit1001 using the connector ports.

The wireless communication module 113 w can be coupled to the controlcircuit 113. The wireless communication module 113 w may enable thecontrol circuit 113 to communicate wirelessly with other devices, e.g.using a local area network or another network such as the internet.

In some cases, the vaporization device 2000 may include a Bluetooth®module 113 x to enable the control circuit 113 to communicate usingBluetooth® with a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet operatinga software application corresponding to the vaporization device. Thesoftware application may enable a user to control various operations andsettings of the vaporization device from a mobile device. In some cases,the vaporization device 1000 may also use Wi-Fi or other wirelesscommunication protocols to communicate with a user's mobile device.

In some embodiments, the control panel 1200 may be movably coupled tosupport unit 1001. As shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the control panel 1200can be rotationally coupled to the support unit 1001, e.g. by a hinge.

The control panel 1200 may be movable between a first position (shown inFIG. 3D) in which the surface 1200 a of control panel 1200 issubstantially perpendicular to the engagement surface of the supportunit 10001 and a second position (shown in FIG. 3E) in which the surface1200 a of control panel 1200 is parallel to the engagement surface ofthe support unit 1001 and a second. The second position of the controlpanel 1200 may facilitate user interaction with the control panel 1200,as the user is likely to be positioned above the control panel 1200(i.e. needing to move or face downward to see the control panel) whenusing the vaporization device 1000. Furthermore, retracting the controlpanel 1200 into the first position may provide a more compact supportunit 1001 for storage.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device 1000 may include voiceactivated user interfaces. FIG. 6E shows examples of a voice recognitionprocessor 8080 that may be used with embodiments of the vaporizationdevices described herein. In some cases, the voice recognition processor8080 can electrically powered by the electrical power source 156 througha power output port 1769, such as a USB port. The voice recognitionprocessor may be implemented using various commercially available voicerecognition components, such as an Alexa Voice Services (AVS) processor8080 a or a Google® Home Voice Services processor 8080 b.

The voice recognition processor can be wirelessly coupled with thecontrol circuit 113. A user may provide verbal commands to the voicerecognition processor 8080. The voice recognition processor may thentransmit these commands to the control circuit 113 to set or adjustvarious settings of the vaporization device 1000. Verbal commands mayalso be used to activate/deactivate heating of the heating element usingthe electrical power from power source 156. This may provide a user withincreased control flexibility, which may enable users with limitedmobility to use the vaporization device with minimal manual input.

For example, a user may verbally state “Alexa, ask Big E to settemperature to 650 degrees Fahrenheit”. The Alexa voice recognitionprocessor 8080 a can process the command and transmit it to the firstcontrol circuit 113. The first control circuit 113 may then enableheating of the phyto material contact heating element 7419 to thepredetermined vaporization temperature defined in the received verbalcommand.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6F, the support unit 8010 may includea cavity 9876. The cavity 9876 can be shaped to receive the voicerecognition processor 8080 therein. The cavity 9876 can be arranged toexpose, or at least partially expose, the microphone(s) of the voicerecognition processor 8080 when the voice recognition processor ispositioned in the cavity 9876. The cavity 9876 may also be arranged suchthat the microphone of the voice recognition processor 8080 remainsaccessible even when a water pipe 8421 is mounted to the support unit8010.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6E, the voice recognition processor 8080may be separate from the support unit 8010. The voice recognitionprocessor 8080 may not even be physically attached to the support unit8010. For example, the voice recognition processor 8080 may bewirelessly coupled with the first control circuit 113.

In some cases, the vaporization device 1000 may also include additionaloutput components. For example, the voice recognition processor 8080 mayinclude at least one LED 8080 z. The at least one LED 8080 z may be usedto illuminate at least a portion of a water pipe 8421 used with thevaporization device.

In some cases, the vaporization device 1000 may also include one or moreaudible output components. For instance a speaker 1867 may be disposedwithin the support unit 8001. The speaker 1867 may be electricallycoupled with the first control circuit 113. The speaker 1867 may be usedto provide audible outputs from the control circuit 113 indicatingstatus information related to the vaporization device 1000.

In some cases, the speaker 1867 may also enable media playback. Forinstance, the speaker 1867 may be coupled to a wireless transceiver. Thespeaker 1867 may then be used to stream media, e.g. music, from a localwireless network or from a nearby device such as a smartphone 3333.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another example embodiment of a vaporizationdevice 3000. Vaporization device 3000 includes a vaporization element2000, a vapor processing device (water pipe 8421), and a support unit8001.

The vaporization element 2000 can define a fluid pathway portion 103that extends from a first end 105 a to a vaporization element outlet 105b. The vaporization element outlet 105 b can be fluidly coupled to thewater pipe input port 421 b. Accordingly, a continuous fluid pathway canbe defined extending from the vapor inlet 105 a through the vaporizationelement 2000 and water pipe 8421 to inhalation aperture 421 a.

As with vaporization device 1000, the support unit 8001 can include anonboard electrical power source 156 and a control circuit 113. Thevaporization element 2000 can be electrically coupled to control circuit113 and power source 156 by connector cable 9886. The connector cable9886 may be coupled to power electrical contacts 107/108 of thevaporization element 2000. The control circuit 113 may then control thepower provided to the vaporization element 2000 from power source 156 toheat the phyto material contact element to the predefined vaporizationtemperature.

The support unit 8001 can also include a securement mechanism similar tothat of support unit 1001. As shown in FIG. 4A, the securement mechanismcan be in the form of a frictional engagement mechanism 8002.

In some embodiments of the vaporization devices described herein, asecond control circuit 114 may be included in addition to the controlcircuit 113. The second control circuit 114 may be remote from the firstcontrol circuit. For instance, FIG. 6A illustrates a second controlcircuit 114 that is provided as part of the vaporization element 7000.

The second control circuit 114 can be electrically coupled to theresistive heater 155, e.g. via electrical contacts 107/108. The secondcontrol circuit 114 and control circuit 113 may cooperate to control andregulate the heating of vaporization element 7000. The second controlcircuit 114 can be electrically coupled to the electrical power source156 using connector cable 9887.

The support unit 8010 may have a power coupling output port 3567. Theconnector cable 9887 may be detachably attachable to the support unit8010 using power coupling output port 3567.

Alternatively, the connector cable 9887 may be integrated with thesupport unit 8010. In such cases, the power coupling output port 3567may be omitted as the connector cable 9887 can provide that coupling.

The vaporization element 7000 can include a power coupling input port3687. The connector cable 9887 may be detachably attachable to thevaporization element 7000 using the power coupling input port 3687.

Alternatively, the connector cable 9887 may be integrated with thevaporization element 7000. In some cases, the support unit, connectorcable and vaporization element may be provided as a combinedvaporization unit. This may facilitate assembly for use by a user, asthere are fewer separate parts that need to be connected.

In other cases, providing the support unit, vaporization element andconnector cable as separate components may be preferable. This maysimplify replacing individual parts in case of failure. This may alsoallow various components to be substituted, such as using differentvaporization elements with the same support unit. This may also allowdifferent versions of the various components to be changed orsubstituted, such as replacing a support unit that does not supportvoice control with one that supports voice control for instance.

In some cases, the connector cable 9887 may be a simple two-conductorcable. In such cases, the connector cable 9887 may have a ground lineand a positive voltage line to carry positive voltage from theelectrical power source 156 to the vaporization element.

In some other cases, the connector cable 9886 may include at least threeconductor lines. For instance, the connector cable 9886 may include aground conductor line, a positive voltage conductor line, and atemperature signal line. The temperature signal line may communicate atemperature sensor signal from the vaporization element 2000 to thefirst control circuit 113. In some cases, the connector cable mayinclude additional conductor lines, for instance to provide additionalcontrol or feedback signals between the first control circuit 113 andvaporization element.

In some cases, the second control circuit 114 may also be coupled to thefirst control circuit 113 by connector cable 9887. In some such cases,the connector cable may communicatively couple the second controlcircuit 114 to first control circuit 113. Accordingly, the powercoupling output port 3567 and power coupling input port 3687 may then bemodified to support additional signal transmission.

Alternatively, the second control circuit 114 and first control circuit113 may communicate wirelessly. In such embodiments, the second controlcircuit 114 may still be electrically coupled to the power source 156 byconnector cable 9887.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the support unit 8010 may include a wirelesstransceiver 5680. The first control circuit 113 can be communicativelycoupled to the wireless transceiver 5680.

In some cases, the vaporization element 7000 can also include a secondwireless transceiver 5679. The second wireless transceiver 5679 can becoupled to the second control circuit 114. The second control circuit114 and first control circuit 113 may then communicate using a wirelesslink 5677 provided between the first wireless transceiver 5680 and thesecond wireless transceiver 5679.

In some cases, the first wireless transceiver 5680 may include a firstoptical transceiver 5680 a. The second wireless transceiver 5679 mayalso include a second optical transceiver 5679 a. The first wirelesstransceiver 5680 and second wireless transceiver 5679 may transmitoptical signals therebetween. For instance, the first opticaltransceiver 5680 a and the second optical transceiver 5679 a may beimplemented using infrared LED transmitters and infrared receivers.

In many cases, the processing devices 8421 used with the vaporizationdevices described herein may be transparent, or substantiallytransparent. Accordingly, optical signals may be transmitted through theprocessing devices. Optical communication (e.g. using infrared signals)may be preferred over other types of wireless communication, such asBluetooth®. Optical communication may not require pairing betweentransceivers. Additionally, optical communication may require less powerand optical communication component may be less expensive.

In other embodiments, various other wireless communication technologiesmay also be used to implement the wireless transceivers 5679/5680, suchas radio frequency, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® for example. In some casesthis may provide a more consistent wireless link 5677, for instancewhere the vapor processing device is not fully transparent and couldinterfere with optical signals.

The second control circuit 114 and first control circuit 113 mayexchange control data and status data using the wireless communicationlink 5677 (or connector cable 9887 in wired communication embodiments).The first control circuit 113 may transmit heat control signals to thesecond control circuit 114 defining the current to be applied to theresistive heater 155. The control signals may be defined to adjust thetemperature of the phyto material contact element 7419 in various ways,e.g. to heat the phyto material contact element 7419 to the predefinedvaporization temperature, to maintain the phyto material contact element7419 at the predefined vaporization temperature, to disable heating ofthe phyto material contact element 7419, to adjust the predefinedvaporization temperature etc.

The second control 114 can transmit feedback signals to the firstcontrol circuit 113 to enable the first control circuit 113 to determinethe temperature of the phyto material contact surface and/or whetheradjustments are required to the current being provided to resistiveheater 155. For instance, the second control circuit 114 may transmittemperature sensor signals to the first control circuit 114. Thetemperature sensor signals may include heating element temperaturesignals and/or ambient air temperature signals.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may include one or moretemperature sensors. For example, vaporization element 7000 shown inFIG. 6B includes a temperature sensor 170 in thermal communication withphyto material contact element 7419. The temperature sensor 170 can bepositioned to sense the temperature of the phyto material contactelement 7419. The temperature sensor 170 can generate a temperaturesignal indicative of the measured temperature.

The temperatures sensor 170 can be coupled to the first control circuit113 (e.g. directly via connector cable 9886, or indirectly via secondcontrol circuit 114). The temperature sensor 170 can include atemperature signal output port 170 a that can be communicatively coupledto the first control circuit 113. The temperature sensor 170 cantransmit a temperature signal using temperature signal output port 170a.

The phyto material contact element 7419 can have a first side arrangedto receive phyto material and/or phyto material extract. The first sideof the phyto material contact element can define a phyto materialcontact surface 7420. The phyto material contact element 7419 can alsoinclude a second side 7420 b opposite the first side. In someembodiments, the temperature sensor 170 can be positioned proximate(e.g. contacting) the second side 7420 b.

The first control circuit 113 can receive the temperature signal fromthe temperature sensor 170. The first control circuit 113 may thendetermine the present temperature of the phyto material contact surface7420 based on the received temperature signal. The first control circuit113 may then define control signals for controlling the current providedto resistive heater 155 based on the received temperature signal. Forinstance, the control circuit 113 may pulse width modulate electricalpower provided to the resistive heater 155 from the electrical powersource 156 to attain the predefined vaporization temperature at thephyto material contact surface 7420.

The phyto material contact element can be positioned between theresistive heater 155 and phyto material extract 419 to be vaporized.Various configurations of the phyto material contact element 7419 aredescribed in further detail herein below.

In general, the resistive heater 155 can be positioned proximate oradjacent to the second side 7420 b of the phyto material contact element7419. Heat from the resistive heater 155 can propagate through the phytomaterial contact element 7419 to the phyto material contact surface7420. This heat can then be transferred to extract 419 positioned on thephyto material contact surface 7420 to vaporize the extract 419. Thevapor 422 generated by vaporizing the extract 419 can then enter vaporinlet 105 a and travel through the fluid pathway portions 103 and 8989to the inhalation aperture 421 a where it can be inhaled.

As mentioned, the temperature sensor 170 can be positioned proximate thesecond side 7420 b of the phyto material contact element 7419.Accordingly, the temperature sensor 170 may sense the temperature of thesecond side 7420 b. The control circuit 113 may determine thetemperature of the phyto material contact surface 7420 using thetemperature signal from the temperature sensor 170. The vaporizationdevice may store calibration data, e.g. a lookup table 113 a, that thecontrol circuit 113 can access to determine the present temperature ofthe phyto material contact surface 7420 based on the temperature signalfrom the temperature sensor 170.

Calibration data, such as the lookup table 113 a, may facilitate thecalculation of the actual temperature of the heating element 7419 fromthe temperature signal from temperature sensor 170. The temperaturesensor 170 can be positioned to measure a temperature proximate to theheating element 7419. However, it is the temperature of the phytomaterial contact surface 7420 that most closely corresponds to thetemperature at which the phyto material extract is being heated.

In some cases, the temperature sensor 170 may sense a temperature thatis slightly different from the actual temperature of the phyto materialcontact surface 7420 b. The control circuit 113 may generate calibrationdata 113 aa by measuring an actual temperature of the phyto materialcontact surface 7420 b and the temperature signal data 113 ab from thetemperature sensor 170. The calibration data 113 aa may be used bycontrol circuit 113 to correlate the sensed temperature and the actualtemperature of the phyto material contact surface 7420. In some cases,the calibration may be performed during manufacturing of thevaporization element and then stored in the vaporization device.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor calibration may be performedby an end user. A thermometer probe may be provided with thevaporization device to measure the actual temperature of the phytomaterial contact surface 7420. This may be used to generate thecalibration data for the lookup table 113 a.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may also include anorientation or tilt sensor 7423. For example, orientation sensor 7423may be housed in the support unit 8010. The orientation sensor 7423 canbe coupled to the control circuit 113.

The orientation sensor 7423 may sense the orientation of the supportunit 8010. The orientation sensor 7423 can transmit an orientationsignal to the control circuit 113 indicating the orientation and/or achange in orientation of the support unit 8010.

The control circuit 113 may determine whether the support unit 8010 hastipped over in response to the orientation signal. If the controlcircuit 113 determines that the support unit 8010 has tipped over, thecontrol circuit 113 may disable the provision of power to the heaterunit 8806. This may reduce the risk of a fire being started by theheater unit 8806 if the vaporization device tips over.

In some embodiments, the vaporization device may also include an extractinsertion apparatus. The extract insertion apparatus may be used toinsert or deposit a predefined volume of phyto material extract onto thephyto material contact surface. Depositing a predefined volume of phytomaterial extract onto the phyto material contact surface may provideincreased control over the dose that is consumed by a user.

FIG. 6L illustrates an example of a vaporization device 9000 thatincludes an extract insertion apparatus 9611 in accordance with anembodiment. In this embodiments, extract insertion apparatus 9611 can bemounted to water pipe 8421.

In the example shown in FIG. 6L, a pair of electrical power couplings orrails 9601/9602 may be used to couple the extract insertion apparatus9611 to the control circuit 113, e.g. via power couplings 9603 and 9604.The extract insertion apparatus 9611 can also be coupled to the powersource 156.

In some embodiments, the electrical power rails 9601 and 9602 can bedisposed about the water pipe 8421. In other cases, the rails 9601/9602may be embedded into the water pipe 8421. Embedding the electrical powerrails 9601 and 9602 within the water pipe 8421 may provide a cleanerlooking interface to the vaporization element as there may be fewerexposed wires (or a reduced extent of exposed wire). For instance insome cases portions of the water pipe 8421 can be manufactured ofelectrically conductive but thermally insulative materials such asvanadium oxide.

The first electrical power rail 9601 and second electrical power rail9602 can be releasably electrically coupled along with the first powercoupling 9603 and second power coupling 9604 to the first controlcircuit 113 and to the electrical power source 156. The first and secondpower couplings may allow for electrical power from the electrical powersource 156 to be coupled to the water pipe 8421. The first and secondelectrical power rails 9601 and 9602 may terminate proximate the waterpipe input port 421 b at first rail power port 9605 and a second railpower port 9606. The ports 9605/9606 may be coupled to the firstelectrical contact 107 and the second electrical contact 108respectively. The coupling between rails 9605/9606 and contacts 107/108may be provided as a releasable magnetic coupling.

The extract insertion apparatus 9611 can include an extract ejector 4200having a phyto material extract output port 4200 a. The extract ejectormay have an extract reservoir fillable with phyto material extract. Anactuator 9610 may be electrically coupled to the first control circuit113 and mechanically coupled to the extract ejector. The actuator may beoperable to actuate the extract ejector to deposit a predefined volumeof phyto material extract from the extract reservoir onto the phytomaterial contact surface via the phyto material extract output port.

In the example shown, a syringe actuator 9610 can be electricallycoupled with the first rail power port 9605 and the second rail powerport 9606. The syringe actuator 9610 can be operated to actuate asyringe 4200 having a reservoir filled with phyto material extract 419.The syringe 4200 can be actuated to deposit a predetermined volume ofthe phyto material extract 419 onto the phyto material contact surface7420 via phyto material extract output port 4200 a. For example, thecontrol circuit 113 may actuate the syringe actuator 9610 bytransmitting control signals to the syringe actuator either wirelessly(using a fourth wireless transceiver 5677) or through a wiredconnection.

In some cases, the vaporization device may also include an airflow meter9105. The airflow meter 9105 may be operable to determine an air flowrate through the vaporization device fluid pathway.

Ambient air 555 may enter the first end 105 a of the elongated member105 through an ambient air input aperture 555 a. The ambient air inputaperture 555 a can be disposed upstream and in fluid communication withan airflow meter 9105. The airflow meter 9105 can measure the flow ofambient air therethrough. For instance, the airflow meter 9105 may be amass airflow meter. The mass airflow meter may measure the mass of airsubstance which passes therethrough per unit of time.

The airflow meter 9105 can be electrically coupled with the firstcontrol circuit 113, e.g. through the first rail power port 9605 and thesecond rail power port 9606. The mass airflow meter 9105 may be operableto generate initial air flow data based on an initial flow of ambientair passing therethrough. The airflow meter 9105 can transmit theinitial air flow data to the control circuit 113 either wirelessly(using a third wireless transceiver 5678) or through a wired connection.

In some cases, the control circuit 113 may adjust the volume of extract419 deposited on the phyto material contact surface based on the airflow data. For instance, a change in airflow may be used to activate ordeactivate the deposit of extract (e.g. to initiate extract beingvaporized when air is being inhaled).

By controlling the volume of phyto material extract deposited to thephyto material contact surface 7420 and vaporized, the control circuit113 may control and/or monitor the quantity of extract being vaporized.The control circuit 113 may further determine based on the air flowmeasurements an estimate of the vaporized extract that was consumed by auser. The control circuit 113 may then store the consumption data and/ortransmit the consumption data to a remote device. This may be used toconfigure the vaporization device as a measured dose system. In somecases, calibration of the vaporization device may be required todetermine a percentage of phyto material vapor present in the mass ofair flowing through the mass airflow meter 9105 when inhaled from theinhalation aperture 421 a.

Another example embodiment of an extract insertion apparatus is shown inFIG. 8A. As shown in the example of FIG. 8A, the extract insertionapparatus can provided as a robotic measured dose apparatus 1300. Theextract insertion apparatus 1300 can include a robotic arm 8568. The arm8568 may have a plurality of controllable axes, such as at least twoaxes. For example, the arm 8568 may be implemented using a SCARA roboticarm.

The arm 8568 can include an end effector 8568 a. A syringe 4200 may havea reservoir filled with the phyto material extract 419. The syringe 4200can also include a phyto material extract output port 4200 a.

An ejection actuator 9610 can be electrically coupled with the firstcontrol circuit 113 and mechanically coupled with the syringe 4200. Theactuate 9610 may be operable to actuate the syringe 4200 to deposit apredetermined volume of the phyto material extract 419 onto the phytomaterial contact surface 7420 from the phyto material extract outputport 4200 a.

The arm 8568 and end effector 8568 a can be coupled with the syringeactuator 9610. The robotic arm 8568 may be movable to controllablypositioning the phyto material extract output port 4200 a proximate thephyto material contact surface 7420. This may facilitate depositing apredetermined volume of the phyto material extract 419 onto the phytomaterial contact surface 7420 for vaporization.

In some embodiments, the robotic measured dose apparatus 1300 may beprovided in combination with a vaporization device including a voicerecognition processor 8080 (see e.g. FIG. 6E). In such embodiments, thevaporization device may enable completely hands free operation by theend user. The robotic measured dose apparatus 8568 may enable thevaporization device to be used by individuals who may be physically ormentally injured or disabled and thus do not have sufficient control ormovement of their limbs to be able to consume phyto material extracts419, for instance if prescribed as medication.

The syringe 4200 may be pre-loaded with phyto material extracts 419. Theend effector 8568 a can position the phyto material extract output port4200 a to momentarily dispense the phyto material extract 419 onto thephyto material contact surface the vaporization. The end effector 8568 amay subsequently withdraw and move away to enable a potential carb capoperation (not shown). Such carb cap operations may also be performedautomatically, e.g. using the robotic arm 8568.

In some embodiments, a plurality of extract ejectors 4200 may be coupledto the end effector. The plurality of extract ejectors may be filledwith one or more types of phyto material extract. For example, eachextract ejector may be filled with a different type of phyto materialextract. This may allow a user to easily select the type of extract tobe vaporized.

In some examples, a user may specify which of the plurality of phytomaterial extracts 419 they wish to utilize. For example, the user mayverbally select the type of phyto material extract by issuing verbalcommands to a voice recognition processor. Additionally oralternatively, the end user may use a mobile device such as a tablet orsmartphone in order to select at least one of the phyto materialextracts 419 to be dispensed. In some cases, a user may provideidentifying user data, such as an email address or cell phone number, toenable the phyto material extract 419 (or the selected type) to bedeposited.

Vaporization Element

The following is a general description of a vaporization element thatmay be used by itself or in combination with one or more aspects of thedisclosure herein, including a vaporization device, a support unit for avaporization device, and/or a method for vaporizing phyto materialand/or phyto material extract. The following description containsvarious features of a vaporization element that may be used individuallyor in any combination or sub-combination.

In general, vaporization elements in accordance with embodimentsdescribed herein can include a heating element defining a phyto materialcontact surface, an electrical heater, and a vaporization element fluidpathway. The vaporization element fluid pathway generally extends from avapor inlet proximate to the phyto material contact surface to a vaporoutlet. In some cases, the vapor outlet can be fluidly coupled to othercomponents of a vaporization device, such as a processing device forexample. In some cases, the vapor outlet may correspond to an inhalationaperture.

In embodiments of the vaporization elements described herein, thevaporization element may be configured with two adjacent, but separate,sections. The vaporization element may include a vaporization section inwhich extract can be received and vaporization. The vaporization elementmay also include a heater section in which an electrical heater can bepositioned. The heater section and vaporization section can be thermallycoupled so that heat from the electrical heater is transferred from theheater section to the vaporization section.

In some embodiments, the heater section and vaporization section can beseparated from one another by an intervening surface that may preventfluids from travelling directly between the heater section andvaporization section. This may prevent extract and extract residue fromcontacting components in the heater section which could clog or damagethe heater components.

The heater section and vaporization section may be separated by aheating element. A first side of the heating element may define a phytomaterial contact surface on which extract can be received. A second,opposite, side of the heating element can be positioned at an end of theheater section and facing towards the heater section.

In some cases, the heating element may be formed integrally as part ofthe vaporization section. In other cases, the heating element may be aseparate component from the vaporization section and the heater section,e.g. a heating element insert.

The heater section can be arranged to receive the electrical heater at aposition adjacent to the second side of the heater element. When theelectrical heater is active, heat can be transferred from the electricalheater to the second side of the heating element, through the heatingelement to the phyto material contact surface where it can vaporizephyto material extract.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, shown therein is an example vaporizationelement 2001. Vaporization element 2001 is an example of a vaporizationelement 2000 that may be used with various embodiments of thevaporization devices described herein above.

In vaporization element 2001, the vaporization element fluid pathway 103is defined by an elongated hollow member 105. The hollow member 105 hasa hollow central portion that defines the fluid pathway 103. The fluidpathway 103 extends from a first end 105 a of the elongated member 105to the second end 105 b of the elongated member 105. In vaporizationelement 2001, the hollow member 105 can define a substantially straightfluid pathway 103 extending from the first end 105 a to the second end105 b.

The second end 105 b of the elongated member 105 can be shaped tofluidly couple the vaporization element 2001 with processing device suchas a water pipe 421/8421. The second end 105 b of the elongated member105 may be fluidly coupled with an input port 421 b of a water pipe, asshown for example in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

The vaporization element 2001 can also include a heating element 106. Asshown, vaporization element 2001 has an annular heating element 106. Theheating element 106 may be used to receive phyto material and/or phytomaterial extract and to vaporize the received phyto materialand/extract.

The heating element 106 can define a phyto material contact surface 106a. The phyto material contact surface 106 a refers to the surface of theheating element 106 on which phyto material extract can be positionedfor vaporization. The phyto material contact surface 106 a can be heatedto a predefined vaporization temperature in order to vaporize extract419 positioned on the surface 106 a.

The first end 105 a of the hollow member 105 may be referred to as avapor inlet 105 a. The vapor inlet 105 a can be positioned proximate tothe phyto material contact surface 106 a so that vapor emitted fromextract being vaporized can enter the fluid pathway 103. In the exampleshown, the vapor inlet 105 a is positioned above the phyto materialcontact surface 106 a. This may facilitate capturing the rising vaporthat is emitted from extract 419 being vaporized.

As in the example shown, the heating element 106 can surround hollowmember 105. That is, the heating element 106 can have an annular shapeabout a central axis. The hollow member 105 can be cylindrically shapedand may be substantially coaxial about the same central axis as theheating element 106. Vapor emitted from extract 419 positionedthroughout the heating element 106 may thus pass close by the vaporinlet 105 a. The vapor can then be easily pulled into the vapor inlet105 a when a user inhales from the far end of the fluid pathway.

The phyto material contract surface 106 a can be defined by a first sideof the heating element 106. On the second side 106 b of the heatingelement 106, opposite the first side, an electrical heater 155 can bedisposed proximate to the second side 106 b of the heating element 106(e.g. adjacent to, contacting, or even formed in the second side 106 b).In the example shown in FIG. 1D, the electrical heater 155 can beprovided as a resistive heater formed by metallic planar heater 168.

The metallic planar heater 168 can be positioned on the second side 106b of the heating element 106 proximate to (and in some cases in directcontact with) the second side 106 b. The resistive heater 168 cangenerate heat when current flows therethrough from a power source suchas electrical power source 156.

In some embodiments, the electrical heater 155 may be a laser diodeheater. The laser diode heater may be positioned to emit light that isfocused proximate the phyto material contact surface 106 a. The laserlight may transfer to impart energy to the phyto material contactsurface 106 a to heat the phyto material contact surface 106 a in orderto enable vaporization of the phyto material or phyto material extract.

The electrical heater 155 can extend between a first electrical lead orcontact 107 and a second electrical lead or contact 108. The electricalcontacts 107 and 108 can be used to electrically connect the electricalheater 155 to an electrical power source such as power source 156. Asexplained herein above, the power source 156 can provide power toresistive heater 168 to generate thermal energy which can be transferredto heating element 106.

In the example shown in FIG. 1D, the vaporization element 2000 can alsoinclude a temperature sensor 170. The temperature sensor 170 can bethermally coupled with at least one of the elongated hollow member 105and the annular heating element 106. The temperature sensor 170 can bepositioned proximate the second side 106 b of the heating element 106.

In some cases, as shown in FIG. 1D, the temperature sensor 170 may bepositioned proximate a portion of the second side 106 b of heatingelement 106 in which the resistive heater 168 is not present. This mayenable the temperature sensor 170 to provide a temperature signal thatis more representative of the temperature of the heating element 106(i.e. it may reduce error that may be introduced by the sensor 170'sproximity to the heater 168.

The temperature sensor 170 can generate a temperature signalrepresentative of the temperature of the heating element 106. As shown,the temperature sensor 170 can include a temperature signal output port170 a that can be coupled to a control circuit, such as control circuits113 or 114 described herein above.

In some cases, the resistance of temperature sensor 170 may vary withrespect to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 170. Thesensor 170 may then generate a temperature signal based on theresistance of the temperature sensor 170. As a skilled reader willappreciate, various types of temperature sensors may be used, such asthermocouples for example.

In operation, when the electrical heater 155 is heated, thermal energycan be transferred through the heating element 106 to the phyto materialcontact surface 106 a. A portion of the thermal energy may also betransferred to portions of the hollow member 105 proximate the resistiveheater 155. For example, thermal energy can be transferred to the hollowmember 106 proximate the first end 105 a of the fluid pathway 103.

As a result of the thermal energy from the resistive heater 155, thephyto material contact surface 106 a can be heated to a predeterminedvaporization temperature. Phyto material extract 419 deposited onto thephyto material contact surface 106 a can then be vaporized. This vapormay then enter the vapor inlet 105 a of the fluid pathway 103 and travelthrough the fluid pathway 103 to the vapor outlet 105 b where it can befluidly coupled to an inhalation aperture, e.g. via a processing devicesuch as a water pipe.

In general, the vaporization element 2000 may preferably be manufacturedfrom materials that are chemically inert and medically safe forvaporization. Non-porous materials may also be preferred to avoidextract being absorbed when deposited for vaporization.

The materials used to manufacture the vaporization element 2000 may alsohave a high temperature stability to allow the vaporization element 2000to be heated to temperatures up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, andpreferably upwards of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.

In some cases, materials having a smooth finish or surface may bepreferred for the vaporization element 2000 (and in particular thevaporization section). This may facilitate cleaning thereof.

In some embodiments, vaporization element 2000 may be manufactured ofvarious materials having low thermal conductivity, such as glass, quartzor ceramic materials for instance. In some cases, glass or ceramicmaterials used may minimally impact the flavor of extract beingvaporized.

As a skilled reader will appreciate, some ceramic materials may havefine particles that not safe for inhalation. Accordingly, such materialsmay be avoided when manufacturing the vaporization element 2000. In somecases, porous (or more porous) ceramic materials may also be avoided toreduce or prevent extract absorption.

In some embodiments, manufacturing of the vaporization element 2000 mayalso include silicon carbide. For example, silicon carbide may be usedto manufacture the phyto material contact element. Silicon carbide mayprovide greater heat faster than quartz while being inert and safe foruse with vaporization.

In some cases, the vaporization element 2000 may include a thermalinterface between the heating element 106 and the hollow member 105. Forinstance, a ceramic glaze may be used to couple the heating element 106and the hollow member 105. In various embodiments, the thermal interfacemay be manufactured of materials including silica or aluminum oxide.

The thermal interface between the heating element 106 and the hollowmember 105 may allow the hollow member 105 to expand radially (i.e. in adirection perpendicular to the axis of the fluid pathway 103) as it isheated. Without such a thermal interface, the hollow member 105 andheating element 106 may expand at different rates which could result incracking of the annular heating element 106 due to expansion forces ofthe hollow member 105.

In some embodiments, the heating element 106 and hollow member 105 maybe manufactured as a unit. This may ensure that a proper thermalinterface is provided between the heating element 106 and hollow member.

In some embodiments, where hollow member 105 and heating element 106 areformed separately, the hollow member 105 may be manufactured usingmetals such as aluminum. The metal materials may be coated usingceramics such as Titanium Nitride. In some cases, only those portions ofthe hollow member 105 defining the fluid pathway 103 may need to becoated.

Manufacturing the hollow member 105 using a non-brittle material (i.e.not ceramic or glass) may provide greater mechanical strength and reducebreakage. In such embodiments, the hollow member 105 may be engaged,e.g. frictionally coupled or hinged, with the heating element 106 (seee.g. FIGS. 12A-12C).

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate another example vaporization element 2002 inaccordance with an embodiment. Vaporization element 2002 is an exampleof a vaporization element 2000 that may be used with various embodimentsof the vaporization devices described herein above.

As with vaporization element 2001, the vaporization element 2002 caninclude an annular heating element 106 and an elongated hollow member105. The heating element 106 and hollow member 105 can be secured to oneanother (or manufactured as a unit) to allow the hollow member 105 toexpand as it is heated.

In vaporization element 2002, the electrical heater 155 can be housedwithin an enclosed heater section. In this example, the electricalheater 155 is in the form of a coiled resistance wire 169 disposedproximate the section side 106 b of the heating element 106.

The resistance wire 169 is electrically connected to the first andsecond electrical contacts, 107 and 108, extending out from the enclosedheater section. The electrical contacts 107/108 can be used to connectthe resistance wire 169 to an electrical power source.

The vaporization element 2002 can also include a temperature sensor 170.The temperature sensor 170 can be thermally coupled with at least one ofthe elongated hollow member 105 and the annular heating element 106.

As with vaporization element 2001, in vaporization element 2002 thetemperature sensor 170 can be positioned proximate the second side 106 bof the annular heating element 106. The temperature sensor 170 canoutput a temperature signal based on the measured temperature of thesecond side 106 b of the annular heating element 106.

Components of the vaporization element 2002 such as the elongated hollowmember 105 and heating element 106 may be manufactured of a low thermalconductivity material, such as glass or quartz. Similarly, the thermalinterface between the annular heating element 106 and the elongatedhollow member 105 may be manufactured of glass or quartz. A glass orquartz vaporization element 2000 may enable a user to see the resistancewire 169 as it heats up. In some embodiments, the resistance wire mayglow as the predetermined vaporization temperature is reached. This mayprovide a simple indicator that extract 419 can be positioned on thephyto material contact surface 106 a.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate another example vaporization element 2003 inaccordance with an embodiment. Vaporization element 2003 is an exampleof a vaporization element 2000 that may be used with various embodimentsof the vaporization devices described herein above.

The vaporization element 2003 can include a hollow member 105 and aheating element 106 c similar to vaporization elements 2001 and 2002. Invaporization element 2003, however, the heating element 106 c is apartially annular heating element. That is, heating element 106 c mayonly partially surround the fluid pathway 103.

The heating element 106 c extends along an arc of less than 360 degrees.For example, the heating element 106 c may surround the fluid pathwayalong an arc of about 90 degrees.

Similar to vaporization elements 2001 and 2002, the first side of theheating element 106 c defines a phyto material contact surface 106 a. Aresistive heater 168 can be positioned proximate to the second side 106b of heating element 106 c. Similarly, a temperature sensor 170 can bepositioned proximate to the second side 106 b of the heating element 106c. The temperature sensor 170 and resistive heater 168 may operate asdescribed herein above. In the example shown in FIG. 1H, the temperaturesensor 170 can be positioned to contact the second side 106 b of theheating element 106 c between the heater 168 and hollow member 105.

FIG. 1I illustrate another example vaporization element 2004 inaccordance with an embodiment. Vaporization element 2004 is an exampleof a vaporization element 2000 that may be used with various embodimentsof the vaporization devices described herein above. FIG. 1I illustratesa modified version of electronic vaporization element 2003 in which thehollow member 105 is not completely straight.

In vaporization element 2004, the hollow member 105 includes a curved orangled section. A first portion of the fluid pathway 103 extendinginward from the vapor inlet 105 a extends along a vapor inlet axis. Asecond first portion of the fluid pathway 103 extending inward from thevapor outlet 105 b extends along a vapor outlet axis. The vapor inletaxis and the vapor outlet axis are not coaxial in vaporization element2004. In some cases, the vapor inlet axis and the vapor outlet axis maybe substantially perpendicular as shown in FIG. 1I.

As shown in FIG. 1I, the vapor inlet 105 a of hollow member 105 can bepositioned facing the heating element 106 c. Accordingly, when air isdrawn in through the vapor inlet 105 a a negative pressure may beapplied directly to the vapor emitted from extract 419 positioned on thephyto material contact surface 106 a.

In vaporization element 2004, the resistive heater 155 can be radiallydisposed away from the hollow member 105. For instance, resistive heater155 may be positioned at a distance of about 20 mm from the second end105 a of the hollow member 105. In contrast, in vaporization element2003 the resistive heater 155 may be positioned at a distance of about 6mm from the second end 105 a of the hollow member 105. Accordingly, thevaporization element 2004 may reduce the transfer of thermal energy tothe hollow member 105. This may provide a lower thermal inertia forheating element 106 c. This may reduce the time required to heat thephyto material contact surface 106 a to the predefined vaporizationtemperature. This may also reduce the power required to heat the phytomaterial contact surface 106 a to the predefined vaporizationtemperature.

In some embodiments where the vaporization element 2004 is manufacturedusing quartz materials, a pancake ceramic heater or a resistance wire169 may be preferred for the resistive heater 155. In some embodimentswhere the vaporization element 2004 is manufactured using a ceramicmaterial, a planar metallic heater 168 can be sintered onto the ceramicto provide the resistive heater 155.

In some embodiments, the vaporization element 200 may include one ormore input/output ports. The ports may be used to couple thevaporization element 200 to a power source and/or control circuit asdescribed herein above.

As shown in FIG. 3J, the vaporization element 2000 can include acoupling port 2000 c that provides electrical coupling to power theresistive heater 155. The coupling port 2000 c can include couplings toelectrical contacts 107/108 that provide power to the resistive heater155.

The coupling port 2000 c can also provide additional coupling to allowsensors signals, such as temperature sensor signals, to be transmittedto the control circuit 113 via a connector cable 2000 b. For instance,the coupling port 2000 c can include a temperature signal output port170 a.

The vaporization element 2000 can also include connector cableengagement members. These connector cable engagement members may be usedto attach the connector cable to the coupling port 2000 c. For example,FIG. 3J illustrates a pair of magnets 1974 a positioned on avaporization element end of the connector cable 2000 b. The vaporizationelement 2000 can include a correspond pair of magnets 1974 b. Themagnets 1974 a and 1974 b can be used to secure the connector cable 2000b to the vaporization element 2000. Alternatively, various mechanicalcoupling may be used, such as pin connectors for example.

As explained above, the vaporization element 2000 may include a heatersection 902 within which a heater unit can be received. FIG. 4Cillustrates an example of a vaporization element 2005 and acorresponding heater unit 8805 in accordance with an embodiment.Vaporization element 2005 is an example of a vaporization element 2000that may be used with various embodiments of the vaporization devicesdescribed herein above.

As shown in FIG. 4C, vaporization element 2005 includes a vaporizationsection 901 and a heater section 902. A heater unit 8806 can be receivedwithin the heater section 902. In FIG. 4C, the heater unit 8806 is shownremoved from heater section 903. The vaporization element 2005 alsoincludes a hollow member 105 fluidly coupled to the vaporization section901.

The heater section 902 of the vaporization element 2005 can be shaped toreceive the heater unit 8806. The heater unit 8806 may also include ahousing 8806 a at least partially enclosing the heater unit 8806. Forexample, the housing 8806 a may substantially enclose the portions ofheater unit 8806 positioned within the heater section 902 (and any thatremain exposed when the heater unit 8806 is positioned within the heatersection 902).

The housing 8806 a may include heater section engagement members 8805.The heater section engagement members 8805 may frictionally engage theinner side walls of the heater section 902. The may retain the heaterunit within the heater section 902.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the resistive heater 155 may extend past thehousing 8806 a. Accordingly, the resistive heater 155 may extend intothe vaporization section when the heater unit is positioned within theheater section 902.

The vaporization element 2005 includes a phyto material contact element7419. The phyto material contact element 7419 can define a phytomaterial contact surface 7420 positioned in the vaporization section901. The phyto material contact surface 7420 can be provided by a firstside of the phyto material contact element 7419 (i.e. the side facinginto the vaporization section 901). As shown in FIG. 4C, the vapor inlet105 a may at least partially face the phyto material contact surface7420.

As shown in vaporization element 2005, the phyto material contactelement 7419 can extend or protrude into the vaporization section 901.The phyto material contact element 7419 can extend from a substantiallyclosed second end 901 d of the vaporization section 901 towards thefirst end 901 c. This can raise the phyto material contact surface 7420towards the vapor inlet 105 a of hollow member 105. As a result, vaporgenerated from extract 419 positioned on the phyto material contactsurface 7420 can be emitted in close proximity to the fluid pathway 103.

The second side 7420 b of the phyto material contact element 7419 candefine an inner cavity within which the resistive heater 155 can bereceived. The resistive heater 155 may be positioned within this cavityproximate to (and even in contact with) the second side 7420 b of thephyto material contact element 7419. The resistive heater 155 can thenoperate to heat the phyto material contact element 7419, and in turn thephyto material contact surface 7420.

In some embodiments, the resistive heater 155 may be provided as part ofa heating rod 88069 heater unit (see, for example FIG. 7A). The heatingrod 88069 may be a ceramic rod heater for instance. The heating rod88069 may have a substantially cylindrical or tubular shape. In somecases, the heating rod 88069 may also include a temperature sensor 170.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the heater unit 8806 can include a resistive heater155 wrapped about a ceramic tube 1898 to form a tubular heater. Theheater unit 8806 may be positioned in a vaporization element with theresistive heater positioned proximate to (potentially contacting) thesecond side 7420 b of the phyto material contact element.

Another example vaporization element 7000 is shown in FIG. 6C. As shownby vaporization element 7000, a temperature sensor 170 can be providedin thermal communication with the heating element 8806. The temperaturesensor 170 may have a temperature signal output port 170 a that can becoupled to control circuit such as control circuit 113 and/or 114. Thetemperature signals from temperature sensor 170 can be used to determinea temperature of the phyto material contact surface 7420.

As shown in vaporization element 7000, the phyto material contactelement 7419 can be disposed between the resistive heater 155 and thephyto material extract 419. The phyto material contact element 7419 candefine a phyto material contact surface 7420 that can contact theextract 419. The phyto material contact element 7419 may receive thermalenergy from the resistive heater 155 on a second side thereof 7420 b.The phyto material contact element 7419 can transmit at least a portionof the received thermal energy into the phyto material 419 disposed onthe phyto material contact surface 7420. This thermal energy can heatthe phyto material contact surface 7420 to a predetermined vaporizationtemperature and vaporize extract positioned thereon.

In some examples, the phyto material contact element 7419 may bemanufactured of glass while the resistive heater 155 can be formed by aceramic heater 155 a. In some cases, the phyto material contact element7419 may be formed using materials with greater heat transfer, such assilicon carbide for example. The ceramic heater 155 a may heat the phytomaterial extract 419 through the phyto material contact element 7419without contacting the extract 419 directly.

As described above in reference to FIG. 4C, the heater unit 8806 can beremovably inserted into a heater section 902 of the vaporization element7000. For instance, the heater unit 8806 can include engaging membersthat can form a frictional coupling with the inside surfaces of theheater section 902.

The heater unit 8806 can include a heating element housing 8806 a. Atleast one O-ring 8806 b (e.g. silicone rubber) can be disposed about theheating element housing 8806 a. The O-ring 8806 b can frictionallyengage a portion of the heater section 902. This may allow the heaterunit 8806 to be inserted into the heater section 902 with the resistiveheater 155 proximate the second side 7420 b of the phyto materialcontact element 7419.

In some embodiments, the phyto material contact surface 7419 can beformed from ceramic and the elongated hollow member 105 may includeceramic materials. Selecting a low thermal conductivity material may bepreferable for the construction of components of the vaporizationelement 700 as this can reduce thermal energy transfer from the phytomaterial contact element 7419 to other parts of the vaporization element7000, such as hollow member 105 and the walls of the vaporizationsection 901 and heater section 902. Having the heating element housing8806 a releasably coupled to the vaporization element 7000 may allow thevaporization element 7000 to be more easily cleaned. For instance,isopropyl alcohol, or high heat, may be used to clean the vaporizationelement 7000 when the heater unit 8806 is removed.

Manufacturing the elongated member 105 from ceramic or glass or quartzmay also allow for easy cleaning thereof. Ceramic and glass materials donot typically stain when used for vaporization of phyto materialextracts 419. Furthermore, using a low thermal conductivity material forelongated member 105 may facilitate retaining the second end 105 b at asubstantially cooler temperature than the first end 105 a. This mayallow the elongated hollow member 105 to provide additional cooling tothe vapor 421 and ambient air 555 as it propagates therethrough.

Another example of a vaporization element 8000 is shown in FIG. 6J.Vaporization element 8000 has a modified heater unit 8806 (see FIG. 6K)and a modified phyto material contact element 7421 as compared tovaporization element 7000.

The heater unit 8806 includes a temperature sensor 170. The temperaturesensor 170 may be maintained within the housing 8806 a of the heaterunit 8806 and positioned proximate to the phyto material contact element7421 when the heater unit 8806 is positioned in the heater section ofthe vaporization element 8000. As shown in FIG. 6K, in some embodimentsthe heater unit 8806 may also include a control circuit 114.

As shown in vaporization element 8000, the resistive heater 155 can beprovided in the form of a spiral or a pancake coil heater 8806 b (seee.g. FIG. 6K). The coil heater 8806 b can be positioned proximate to asecond side of the phyto material contact element 7421. The coil heater8806 b can heat the phyto material contact element 7421 to transferenergy to phyto material contact surface 7421 a. Providing the resistiveheater 155 as a spiral or pancake coil can provide a large surface areafor heating the phyto material contact element 7421.

Another example of a vaporization element 1100 is shown in FIGS. 7C and7D. As shown in the example of vaporization element 1100, the heaterunit 8806 can include a cup heater 8816 b. Cup heater 8816 b may bemanufactured using ceramic materials

Vaporization element 1100 may also be referred to as a leaf attachmentvaporization element. The vaporization element 1100 may include asubstantially enclosed housing in which the ceramic cup heater 8816 b ispositioned.

The cup heater 8816 b may have a first, open end 1100 a. Phyto materialand/or phyto material extract can be inserted into the cup heater 8816 bvia the first open end 1100 a. The vaporization element 1100 may includea removable lid 8765. The lid 8765 may be removed when loading phytomaterial or extract into the heater unit 8806 or removing residue fromthe vaporization element 1100. The lid 8765 can be positioned in aclosed position when the phyto material or extract is being vaporized.This may facilitate heating of the heater unit 8806 to the predeterminedvaporization temperature (and maintaining the heater unit 8806 at thattemperature). When the lid 8765 is in the closed position, thevaporization element 1100 may still provide an ambient air inlet toallow ambient air to flow into the heater unit 8806 and become entrainedwith the vapor into the fluid pathway 103.

The second end 1100 b of the heater 8816 b may define a partiallyperforated phyto material holder portion. The second end 1100 b of theheater may include a screen or filter that can support phyto materialand/or phyto material extract while allowing ambient air and vapor topropagate therethrough.

The vaporization element 1100 can define a fluid pathway 3103 with afluid inlet 105 a that extends from the first end 1000 a through theheater 8816 b to a fluid outlet 105 b. The screen or filter at thesecond end 1000 b of the heater unit 8806 may prevent the phytomaterial, or substantially all of the phyto material, from passingthrough the fluid pathway and out the fluid outlet 105 b.

In vaporization element 1100, the heater 8816 b can be positioned tosurround the phyto material or phyto material extract positioned in thevaporization element 1100. The heating element 8816 b can heat the phytomaterial (or extract) from the sides. Thermal energy can propagate fromthe heating element 8816 b into the phyto material 420 (or extract) andgenerate vapor. Ambient air entering the vaporization element 1100 alongwith the vapor can pass through the perforated second end 1100 b andalong the fluid pathway 103 to be inhaled.

Another example embodiment of a vaporization element 1101 is shown inFIG. 7E. As shown in vaporization element 1101, the heating element 106may be provided by a removable cup or platform or holder unit 3000 ca.The removable holder unit 3000 ca may be manufactured from variousmaterials, such as ceramic or glass or gold or platinum or silver. Theremovable cup 3000 ca can be positioned on the vaporization element 1101in thermal communication with the heater unit 8806.

The removable holder portion 3000 ca can be in the form of a semi-toroid (see e.g. FIG. 7F). The holder portion 3000 ca has a centralthrough-hole 3000 cb that can be shaped to correspond to a central fluidpathway 103 defined by vaporization element 1101. The fluid pathway 103can extend from the first end 105 a of the vaporization element 1101 tothe second end 105 b thereof through the center hole 3000 cb.

The central through-hole of the holder portion 3000 ca can be defined bythe inner sidewalls of the holder portion. The holder portion 3000 cacan also include outer sidewalls 3000 cd defining an outer circumferenceof the holder portion 3000 ca.

In some cases, the vaporization element 1101 may include a threadedcoupling 3191 for the holder portion 3000 ca. The threaded coupling 3191may include a spring 3192 to allow for thermal expansion along the fluidpathway 103. The removable cup 3000 ca may be detachably attached to thevaporization element 1100 on top of the annular heater 8806 with thespring 3192 engaging a hollow nut 3193. The spring 3192 and nut 3193 mayinteract to press the removable cup 3000 ca against the annular heater8806 c.

FIG. 7G illustrates the annular heater 8806 c from a top view. Theannular heater 8806 c may operate to heat phyto material or extractpositioned on the removable cup 3300 ca in a manner analogous to heaterunits 8806 described herein above.

Another example embodiment of a vaporization element 1102 is shown inFIG. 7H. As shown by vaporization element 1102, in some embodiments theheater unit 8806 may include a convection heater 7861.

The convection heater 7861 may have a heater core 7862 (e.g. of ceramic)coupled to a plurality of extensions or fins 7863. The heater core 7862may heat the fins 7863 and ambient air 755 passing through thevaporization element 1102. The heated ambient air 755 can then pass overthe phyto material or extract positioned in the vaporization element1102 downstream of the convection heater 7861. For instance,vaporization element 1102 may include a screen or perforated contactsurface to support the phyto material or extract. The heated air cantransfer thermal energy to the phyto material or extract to generatevapor. The vapor may then enter the fluid pathway 103 at the vapor inlet105 a.

As shown, the vaporization element 1102 may include a detachable lid8764. The lid 8764 may be movable to an open position in which access isprovided to the holder portion of the vaporization element 1102. The lid8764 may also be movable to a closed position in which the end of thevaporization element 1102 proximate the vapor inlet 105 a is closed.This may ensure that vapor enters the fluid pathway 103.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, shown therein is another example of avaporization element 900. As shown, vaporization element 900 can includea cylindrical vaporization portion 901. The vaporization portion 901 canbe configured to receive phyto material or extract to be vaporized andto generate vapor therefrom.

The vaporization element 900 can also include a cylindrical heaterpotion 902. The heater portion 902 can be shaped to receive a heaterunit, such as the heater units described herein above, to apply thermalenergy to the vaporization portion 901.

The vaporization element 900 can include a hollow member 105. The hollowmember 105 can define a fluid pathway 103 extending from a first end 105a to a second end 105 b. The first end 105 a can be arranged as a vaporinlet facing into the vaporization portion 901. The second end 105 b ofthe fluid pathway can be configured to be fluidly coupled with an inputport 421 b of a vapor processing device such as a water pipe.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the cylindrical vaporization section 901 may have afirst inner diameter defined by inner walls 901 a. The cylindricalvaporization section 901 may also have a first outer diameter defined byouter walls 901 b. As should be apparent, the first outer diameter canbe larger than the first inner diameter.

The cylindrical vaporization section 901 may extend from a vaporizationsection first end 901 c to a vaporization section second end 901 d. Thevaporization section first end 901 c may be open or partially open toallow phyto material or extract to be positioned in the phyto materialsection 901.

The vaporization section second end 901 d may include a phyto materialcontact surface 7420. The phyto material or extract may be positioned onthe phyto material contact surface 7420 to be vaporized.

The vaporization section 901 may define a vaporization section volume.The vaporization section volume may be defined as the volume bounded bythe vaporization section first end 901 c, vaporization section secondend 901 d and the first inner diameter (i.e. inner walls 901 a). Thevapor inlet 105 a can be fluidly coupled to the vaporization sectionvolume.

As shown, the vapor inlet 105 a may be positioned proximate the firstend 901 c of the vaporization section 901. This may allow the vaporgenerated from heating the phyto material or extract to rise towards thevapor inlet 105 a.

The cylindrical heater section 902 can include a second inner diameterdefined by inner sidewalls 902 a. The cylindrical heater section canalso include a second outer diameter defined by outer sidewalls 902 b.As should be apparent, the second outer diameter can be larger than thesecond inner diameter.

The cylindrical heater section 902 can extend from a heater sectionfirst end 902 c to a heater section second end 902 d. The cylindricalheater section 902 can define a heater section volume bounded by thefirst end 902 c, second end 902 d and inner sidewalls 902 a. The heatersection volume can be arranged to receive an electrical heater unit.

The vaporization element 900 can also include a phyto material contactelement. The phyto material contact element may have a first sidepositioned at the vaporization section second end 901 d. A second sideof the phyto material contact element can be positioned at the heatersection first end 902 c. The first side of the phyto material contactelement may define a phyto material contact surface 9420. The phytomaterial contact element may provide thermal communication between thevaporization section second end 901 d and the heater section first end902 c.

As shown in FIG. 9C, a heater unit 8806 can be disposed within theheater section 902. An electrical heater can be positioned proximate theheater section first end 902 c, e.g. adjacent to or in contact with thephyto material contact element. The heater unit 8806 may be implementedin various ways as described herein above.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the cylindrical heater section 902 and thecylindrical vaporization section 901 may be coaxial. In someembodiments, the diameters of the cylindrical heater section 902 and thecylindrical vaporization section 901 may be similar, or substantiallyequal (e.g. as shown in FIG. 9B). For instance, a cross section of thecylindrical heater section 902 and the cylindrical vaporization section901 along a coaxial axis 9021 may resemble a letter H.

In other embodiments, the heater section 902 may have an inner diameterthat is greater than the inner diameter of the vaporization section 901.In some cases, the inner diameter of the heater section 902 may besimilar, or approximately equal to, the outer diameter of thevaporization section 901.

Having a wider heater section 902 may allow the heater unit 8806 to heatthe phyto material contact element directly as well as apply heat to thesidewalls of the vaporization section 901. Accordingly, phyto materialor extract may be heated by the sidewalls 8661 of the vaporizationsection 901 in addition to the phyto material contact surface 7420.

Heat from the heating unit 8806 may be directed into the walls of thevaporization section 901. This may allow extract to be applied to theinner sidewalls of the vaporization section 901 as well as the phytomaterial contact surface 7420 to provide a wide surface area forvaporization. Extract may be applied to the vaporization section 901 ina circular manner so that it may equally dissipate onto the inside wallsto facilitate vaporization thereof.

The cylindrical heater section may form an insulative skirt. Theinsulative skirt may substantially surround the phyto material contactelement and assist in holding the heating unit 8806 around the phytomaterial contact element.

In some cases, the thickness of the sidewalls of the heater section 902may be greater than the thickness of the sidewalls of the vaporizationsection 901. This may allow the heater section 902 to provide greaterinsulative capabilities around the heater unit 8806 while heat can bemore easily transferred into the vaporization section 901.

In use, the vaporization element 900 may be configured so that the axisalong which the vaporization section 901 and heater section 902 extendis substantially perpendicular to a direction of gravity. Accordingly,heat from the heater unit 8806 may be inclined to travel upwards fromthe heater section 902 to the vaporization section 901. This may alsoencourage the vapor to travel upwards to vapor inlet 105 a.

In some embodiments, the components of vaporization element 900 may bemanufactured using various materials such as quartz glass or other glassor ceramic material for example. In some embodiments the phyto materialcontact element and/or the vaporization section 901 may be manufacturedusing silicon carbide. As silicon carbide provides higher heatconductivity than quartz glass, this may encourage the transfer of heatinto the vaporization section 901. Other examples of ceramic materialsthat may be used include Aluminum Nitride, Sapphire, Alumina, andSilicon Nitride.

As explained herein above, the heater unit 8806 may include engagementmembers 8123 that may engage the inner sidewalls of the heater section.In some cases, the heater unit 8806 may include a pivotable or rotatableportion. The pivotable or rotatable portion may allow the heater 155 toadjust for variations in the orientation of the second side of the phytomaterial contact element (see e.g. FIG. 10F-G). This may assist inmaintaining the heating unit 8806 proximate the phyto material contactelement.

In some embodiments, a heat shield 157 (e.g. ceramic or metal) may bedisposed between the heating unit 8806 and the second inner diameter ofthe heater section 902. The heat shield 157 may reflect a portion ofheat radiated from the heater 155 to reduce or prevent heat dissipationout the sidewalls of the heater section 902.

FIGS. 10A-10I illustrate another example embodiment of a vaporizationelement 2006. In vaporization element 2006, the vaporization section 901extends partially into the heater section 902. That is, the innersidewalls 902 w of the heater section 902 surround a portion of thevaporization section proximate the second end 901 d.

The first end 902 c of the heater section 902 can define an insulativeskirt 902 s surrounding the second end 901 d of the vaporization section901. This may provide facilitate the transfer of heat into the secondend 901 d of the vaporization section 901, and into the phyto materialcontact element as well. Additionally, this may facilitate maintainingthe phyto material contact surface 7420 (and inner side walls of thevaporization section 901 proximate the second end 901 d) at thepredetermined vaporization temperature.

The second end 901 d of the vaporization section 901 may define a phytomaterial vaporization region 901 v. The phyto material vaporizationregion may be insulated by the inner sidewalls 90 ww of the heatersection. The inner sidewalls 902 w of the heater section 902 may bemanufactured using materials with low thermal conductivity such asglass. Accordingly, heat from the heater unit 8806 can rise into thisinsulative skirt region 902 s and maintain the vaporization region at amore constant temperature. This may provide a combined conduction andconvection heater unit 8806, as the phyto material contact element 7419can be heated by conduction and the inner sidewalls of the vaporizationsection 901 can be heated using a combination of convection andconduction (from the phyto material contact element 7419).

In some examples, the phyto material contact element 7419 may be formedintegrally with the vaporization section 901 as shown here. This mayfacilitate construction of the vaporization element 2006.

In other embodiments, the phyto material contact element 7419 may be aseparate component that may be inserted at the second end 901 d of thevaporization element (see e.g. FIG. 11A). This may allow the phytomaterial contact element 7419 to be constructed using materials thatprovide greater heat transfer from the heater section 902 to thevaporization section 901.

As shown, a heater unit 8806 can be positioned in the heater section 902proximate the phyto material contact element 7419. Heat from the heaterunit 8806 can heat the phyto material contact element directly. Heatfrom the heater unit 8806 can also heat the air surrounding the secondend 901 d of the vaporization section 901 (as well as the walls of thevaporization section 901 and heater section 902).

As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10D, the heater unit 8806 can include atemperature sensor 170. The temperature sensor 170 may protrude throughan upper surface 155 u of the heater 155 towards the phyto materialcontact element 7419. The temperature sensor 170 may contact the phytomaterial contact element 7419 when the heater unit 8806 is positioned inthe heater section 902. The temperature sensor 170 may be retractable(e.g. spring-loaded) so that it does not interfere with the placement ofthe heater unit 8806 proximate the phyto material contact element whilestill maintaining a thermal coupling with the phyto material contactelement 7419.

In some embodiments, the heater unit 8806 may include a heat activatedpigmentation. The pigmentation may be selected so that at roomtemperature the heater unit is a first color (green) and when heated toa vaporization temperature (e.g. 350F to 750F) the pigmentation canchange to a variety of different color as the temperature increases (ex:brown). The user can observe the color of the heater unit 8806 which canprovide a visual indication that the heater unit 8806 (and surroundingvaporization section 901/heater section 902) is hot. This may provide avisual indication even in the absence of power to the heater unit 8806.Optionally, a color changing pigment may be applied proximate the heatersection 902 to provide a further warning visual indication to the enduser that elements are hot.

In some embodiments, the heater unit 8806 may use a coil or stampedresistive heater 155. The resistive heater 155 may glow when heated to avaporization temperature. A vaporization element that is partially orfully transparent may facilitate observation of the heat indicators.

In some embodiments, the heater unit may include a pivotal coupling forthe heater 155 and temperature sensor 170. This may ensure that theheater remains proximate to the phyto material contact element 7419 evenif there are discrepancies in manufacturing. For instance, the heatermay have a pivot range of about +/−5 degrees. This may allow the heaterto align itself with the phyto material contact element when the heaterunit 8806 is positioned in the heater section 902 (see e.g. FIGS.10F-10G).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10H, the heater 155 may contactonly a portion of the vaporization section 901 (e.g. only the phytomaterial contact element 7419).

As shown in FIG. 10I, the heater unit 8806 may include a substantiallyflat horseshoe heater 155. The heater 155 may also be provided as a wireheater, such as a flat pancake heater. The heater 155 may be retained bya ceramic plate 155p. The heater 155 can be coupled to a power sourceusing contacts 107/108.

The temperature sensor 170 can be positioned in the heater unit 8806 toprotrude through the heater 155. In some cases, an adjustabletemperature sensor calibration unit can be included to calibrate thetemperature sensor 170 during use. A printed circuit board 124 that isconfigured to withstand high temperatures can also be included toprovide the second control circuit 114. A heat shield 157 may beprovided to surround the heater 155 and reflect heat inwards towards theinner volume of the heater section. The frictional engagement members8805 may include high temperature O-rings 8806 b, e.g. made of silicone.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate another example embodiment of avaporization element 2007. In vaporization element 2007, the phytomaterial contact element 7419 can be provided as a separate component.The separate phyto material contact element 7419 can be constructed ofmaterials providing greater thermal conductivity, e.g. silicon carbide.This may facilitate the transfer of heat from the heater unit positionedin heater section 902 to the phyto material or extract position invaporization section 901. The insert 7419 may be usable as a consumableor replaceable component in various embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the second end 901 d of the vaporization section901 can also be open. The phyto material contact element 7419 can beinserted into the heater section 902 and positioned contacting thesecond end 901 d of the vaporization section 901. The phyto materialcontact element 7419 thus inserted can define the phyto material contactsurface 7420 on which extract or phyto material can be vaporized.

As mentioned, the insert 7419 may be manufactured from materials havinga greater thermal conductivity from the materials used for vaporizationsection 901 and heater section 902. For instance, the insert 7419 may bemanufactured of silicon carbide while the vaporization section 901 andheater section 902 are manufactured of glass or quartz glass. As SiC isinert and conducts heat much better than glass, the insert can gethotter more quickly relative to the adjacent glass. Various othermaterials may be used to manufacture insert 7419, such as titanium,other ceramics, other metals having greater thermal conductivity thanthe vaporization section 901 and heater section 902.

The insert 7419 can be secured in place by the heater unit 8806. Theheater unit 8806 and insert 7419 may include corresponding engagementmembers. Accordingly, the heater unit 8806 may frictionally engage theinsert 7419 when inserted into the heater section 902.

The insert 7419 may be easily manufactured, particularly as it can bemade with a central axis of symmetry. This may facilitate manufacturingusing machining and injection molding. Accordingly, the insert 7419 maybe easily and inexpensively replace. This may reduce or obviate the needto clean the vaporization device as regularly, because the insert 7419that provides the phyto material contact surface can simply be replacedwhen it becomes dirty or stained.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate another example of a vaporization element 2008in accordance with an embodiment. Vaporization element 2008 is anexample of a vaporization element in which the hollow member 2105 ismanufactured separately from the heating element 2106. In someembodiments, this may enable the heating element 2106 to be manufacturedusing different materials from the hollow member 2105.

For example, in some cases the heating member 2106 may be manufacturedusing materials such as quartz or glass or ceramic. The hollow member2105 may be manufactured of less brittle materials, such as aluminum forinstance.

The heating element 2106 can include a vaporization section and aheating section as described above. The heating element 2106 can alsoinclude a heating element channel section 2106 v defining a vaporpathway. The heating element 2106 can also include a vapor inlet 2106 aat the entrance to heating element channel section 2106 v. The heatingelement vapor channel section 2106 v can extend from the inlet 2106 a tothe heating element outlet 2106 b. Vapor generated from extractvaporized in the vaporization section of heating element 2106 can enterthe heating element channel section 2106 v via vapor inlet 2016 a.

The hollow member 2105 can include a hollow central portion. The hollowcentral portion may define a hollow member fluid pathway 2103. The fluidpathway 2103 may extend from a first end or vapor inlet 2105 a of thehollow member 2105 to a second end, or vapor outlet 2105 b, of thehollow member 2105.

The heating element 2106 can be connected to the hollow member 2105 toprovide the vaporization element 2008. The heating element 2106 andhollow member 2105 can be connected with the heating element vaporpathway fluidly coupled to the fluid pathway 2103 defining a continuousfluid pathway from vapor inlet 2106 a to vapor outlet 2105 b.

The heating element 2106 may be frictionally engaged with the hollowmember 2105. As shown in FIG. 12B, the heating element channel section2106 v can be inserted into the fluid pathway 2103. The channel section2106 v may frictionally engage the inner side walls of the fluid pathway2103 to secure the heating element 2106 and hollow member 2105. In somecases, the heating element 2106 may be rotated, as shown in FIG. 12C, tosecure the heating element 2106 and hollow member 2105.

The channel section 2106 v may vary in width along its length to providea plug when the heating element 2106 is inserted into the hollow member2105. For instance, the channel section 2106 v may be narrower at theoutlet 2106 b and increase in width towards the inlet 2106 a.Additionally or alternatively, the hollow member 2105 may vary in width(e.g. decreasing in width from the inlet 2105 a inwards) to facilitatefrictional engagement of the hollow member 2105 and heating element2106.

Various other couplings may be used to connect the hollow member 2105and heating element 2106. For example, the channel section 2106 v and aportion of fluid pathway 103 may be thread to allow the heating element2106 to be screwed into the hollow member 2105.

Support Unit for a Vaporization Device

The following is a general description of a support unit for avaporization device that may be used by itself or in combination withone or more aspects of the disclosure herein, including a vaporizationdevice, a vaporization element for a vaporization device, and/or amethod for vaporizing phyto material and/or phyto material extract. Thefollowing description contains various features of a support unit for avaporization device that may be used individually or in any combinationor sub-combination.

As explained herein above, FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate an example of a device1000 for vaporization of phyto material extracts in accordance with anembodiment. A support unit 1001 can be provided that may include one ormore components usable with the vaporization device 1000.

For instance, the support unit 1001 may include a control circuit 113.The control circuit 113 may be operable to control power provided to aheater unit of a vaporization element 2000. The control circuit 113 mayalso receive and process feedback signals from a vaporization element2000, such as temperature signals from a temperature sensor 170. Thecontrol circuit 113 may also generate and output display signals for auser interface usable by a user of the vaporization device.

The support unit 1001 may also include one or more securement mechanismsfor a vapor processing device. The securement mechanisms may be used tosecure a vapor processing device to the support unit 1001. In somecases, the securement mechanisms can be used to maintain a vaporprocessing device in a substantially upright position when in-use.

FIG. 3B shows an example of an adjustable clamp 1002 that may be used asa securement mechanism for support unit 1001. The adjustable clamp 1002can include processing device engaging jaws. The jaws may include afirst jaw 1002 a and a second jaw 1002 b disposed opposite the first jaw1002 a. The jaws 1002 a and 1002 b may be used to frictionally engageand secure a vapor processing device.

The first jaw 1002 a and second jaw 1002 b may be movable towards andaway from each other to adjust a separation distance therebetween. Thismay allow the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b to be used to receive the vaporprocessing device. For example, a spacing between the first jaw 1002 aand the second jaw 1002 b may be adjustable between 6 cm and 15 cm. Thismay allow various dimensions of vapor processing devices to be coupledto the support unit 1001.

For example, the first and second jaws 1002 a and 100 b can bemechanically coupled to a rotatable lead screw 1003. Rotation of thelead screw 1003 in a first direction (e.g. a clockwise direction) maycause the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b to move towards one another, decreasinga separation distance therebetween. If a processing device such as waterpipe is positioned between the jaw 1002 a and 1002 b, this may engagethe jaws 1002 a and 1002 b with the water pipe or may increase africtional engagement between the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b and water pipe421. This may be used to secure the water pipe 421 to support unit 1001.

Rotation of the lead screw 1003 in a second direction (e.g. counterclockwise) may cause the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b to move away from oneanother, increasing the separation distance therebetween. If aprocessing device such as water pipe is positioned between the jaw 1002a and 1002 b, this can decrease the frictional engagement between thejaws 1002 a and 1002 b and water pipe 421. This may allow the water pipeto be removed from support unit 1001.

The first jaw 1002 a and second jaw 1002 b may be moveable substantiallysimultaneously to increase or decrease the separation distancetherebetween. That is, the lead screw 1003 may cause both first jaw 1002a and second jaw 1002 b to move synchronously.

In some embodiments (see e.g. FIG. 4F), the pitch of the thread of leadscrew 8003 may prevent the first and second jaws 1002 a and 1002 b fromaccidentally disengaging from the water pipe 8421 once they arefrictionally engaged.

The support unit 1001 can include a track or tracks for the clamp 1002.For example, the support unit 1001 can include a first track 1401 alongwhich the first jaw 1002 a is moveable. The support unit 1001 can alsoinclude a second track 1402 along which the second jaw 1002 b ismoveable. The tracks 1401 and 1402 can be parallel.

In some cases, the support unit 1001 can also include a clamp actuator.The clamp actuator may be usable to adjust the position of the jaws 1002a and 1002 b. For example, a thumb screw 1013 may be coupled to leadscrew 1003. The thumb screw 1013 may be manually operated by a user toadjust the position of the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b. The thumb screw 1013may protrude out from support unit 1001 so it can be easily grasped by auser. This user may adjust the clamp 1002 to accommodate various shapesand sizes of water pipes 421.

FIG. 3F illustrates a first example of a clamp 1002 frictionallyengaging a water pipe 421 a. FIG. 3G illustrates a second example of theclamp 1002 frictionally engaging a second water pipe 421 b. As shown byFIGS. 3F-3G, the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b are movable to engage waterpipes 421 having different diameters.

In some embodiments, the support unit 1001 may also include a pluralityof protrusions or ribs 8888. The ribs 8888 may extend out from a base ofthe support unit 1001. The ribs 8888 may be deformable. The plurality ofdeformable ribs 8888 may assist in frictionally contacting the waterpipe 421 when the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b engage water pipe 421.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the support unit 1001 can enclose an electricalpower source 156. The electrical power source 156 may be usable to poweran electrical heater 155 that is provided as part of a vaporizationelement as described herein above. The electrical power source may alsopower various other components of a vaporization device, such as controlcircuits 113/114, communication modules, user interface components etc.

As described herein above, the support unit 1001 may include a controlpanel 1200. The control panel 1200 may have a rotationally coupled withhousing of support unit 1001. The control panel may be movable between afirst position (FIG. 3D) and a second position (FIG. 3E). In the firstposition, the control surface 1200 a may be approximately perpendicularto the first track 1401 and the second track 1402. In the secondposition the control surface 1200 a may be approximately parallel to thefirst track 1401 and the second track 1402.

FIG. 3H illustrates an example of the bottom side of support unit 1001in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the electrical power source156 may be provided by a plurality of batteries 111, 112, 111 a, 112 a.For example, the batteries may be provided as lithium ion batteries. Theplurality of batteries 111, 112, 111 a, 112 a may be electricallycoupled in series and electrically coupled with the first controlcircuit 113.

In some cases, the batteries 111, 112, 111 a, 112 a may be replaceable.For example, the support unit 1001 may include a first battery door 1001a and a second battery door 1001 b. The batteries 111 and 112 may beremovable through the first battery door 1001 a and the batteries 111 aand 112 a may be removable through the second battery door 1001 b.

In some cases, the batteries 111, 112, 111 a, 112 a may be rechargeable.In some such cases, access to the batteries 111, 112, 111 a, 112 a maybe less important. Accordingly, the battery doors 1001 a and 1001 b maybe omitted, or fixedly secured to support unit 1001 e.g. using screws.

FIG. 3I illustrates an example of the support unit 1001 having aplurality of input and output ports. The input/output ports may includeUSB ports 1818/1819. The support unit 101 may also include an electronicvaporization element first coupling port 2000 a. The ports1818/1819/2000 a may each be electrically coupled to the first controlcircuit 113.

For example, USB port 1818 may be a USB-C port usable to receiveelectrical energy from a battery charger. USB port 1819 may be usable toprovide power from the electrical power source 156 to connected externaldevices for being recharged, such as a cellular phone. The support unit1001 may thus also act as a portable battery bank for recharging otherelectrical devices in addition to for storing electrical energy forportable heating of the electronic vaporization element 2000.

FIG. 4A illustrates another example embodiment of a support unit 8001.As with support unit 1001, the support unit 8001 may include an onboardelectrical power source 156 and control circuit 113.

The support unit 8001 can also include a securement mechanism 8002. Thesecurement mechanism 8002 may be usable to frictionally engage a waterpipe 421. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the support unit 8001 may engagea water trap portion of the water pipe 8421 rather than a base.

The securement mechanism 8002 may be provided as an adjustable clamp1002. As shown in the example of FIG. 4D, the clamp 1002 may include areleasable lock 8123. The lock 8123 can be coupled with the first jaw1002 a and the second jaw 1002 b.

The lock may be movable between a locked position, in which the jaws1002 a and 1002 b are fixed in place along the tracks 1401 and 1402respectively, and an unlocked position in which the jaws 1002 a and 1002b are moveable along tracks 1401 and 1402 respectively.

The releasable lock 8123 may operate in a manner similar to a releasablezip tie. The lock 8123 may include a plurality of mating ratchet teeth8123 a. The teeth 8123 a may be coupled to jaws 1002 a and 1002 b. Asthe jaws 1002 a and 1002 b are moved towards one another, the teeth 8123a can be ratcheted past a release member 8123 b.

In the locked position, the release member 8123 b may be lowered toprevent the teeth 8123 a from moving in the opposite direction, therebypreventing jaws 1002 a and 1002 b from being separated. In the unlockedposition, release member 8123 b can be raised to disengage the ratchetteeth 8123 a and allow the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b to separate. Therelease member 8123 b can be biased to the locked position to preventthe jaws 1002 a and 1002 b from being separated unintentionally.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4F, the support 1001 may include amotor 8125. The motor 8125 may be mechanically coupled to the lead screw8003. The motor 8125 may be operable to actuate the rotation of leadscrew 8003.

The motor 8125 may also be electrically coupled to the first controlcircuit 113. The control circuit 113 may controllably actuate the motor8125 to rotate the lead screw 8003, and thereby adjust the separationbetween the jaws 1002 a and 1002 b. The motor 8125 may facilitatefrictional engaging the water pipe 8421 without having to manually turnthe lead screw 8003. In some embodiments, a clutch 8125 a may couple themotor 8125 to the lead screw 8003. This may allow the lead screw 8003 tobe moved manually without requiring use of the motor 8125.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the support unit 8010 mayinclude a twist lock coupling 8678. The twist lock coupling 8678 may beused to secure a water pipe 8421 to support unit 8010.

The twist coupling 8678 may include a rotatable portion 8678 a and astatic portion 8678 b. The rotatable portion 8678 a may be coupled to anadjustable clamp 8008. The adjustable clamp 8008 can be used to secure awater pipe to the rotating portion 8678 a (e.g. as described above).

The static portion 8678 b can be fixed to the support unit 8010. Forinstance, the static portion 8678 b may be formed as part of the housingof support unit 8010.

The twist coupling 8678 may be adjustable between a locked position andan unlocked position. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of the twistlock coupling 8678 in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position therotating portion 8678 a and static portion 8678 b can be separated.Accordingly, the water pipe can be uncoupled from the support unit 8010.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of the twist lock coupling 8678 ina locked position. In the locked position, the rotating portion 8678 acan be frictionally engaged with the static portion 8678 b. If a waterpipe is secured to clamp 8008, the water pipe may thus be secured to thesupport unit 8010 by the twist lock coupling 8678.

In order to transition from the unlocked position to the lockedposition, the rotating portion 8678 a can be pushed against the supportunit 8010 and oriented such that twist lock coupling 8678 is aligned ata predetermined starting orientation, as shown in FIG. 5A. The rotatingportion 8678 a can then be twisted into place as is shown in FIG. 5B.

The static portion 8678 b may define a mating receptacle shaped toreceive the rotating portion 8678 a. For instance, the rotating portion8678 a may include one or more protrusions extending from a sidethereof. The static portion 8678 a may include one or more correspondingnotches. The rotating portion 8678 a may then be inserted into thestatic portion when the protrusions and notches are aligned. Therotating portion 8678 a may then be rotated while inserted into thestatic portion 8678 b. The protrusions may then securely engage therotating portion 8678 a and static portion 8678 b.

The twist lock coupling 8678 may allow the water pipe 8421 to be securedto the clamp 8008 while removed from the support unit 8010. This mayallow the water pipe 8421 to be cleaned or filled with water whilesecured to the adjustable clamp 8008. Accordingly, the risk of spillagewhen securing the water pipe 8421 to the clamp 8008 may be mitigated.

This may also facilitate the design and construction of the base ofsupport unit 8010. As the clamp 8008 may be separated from the housingof the support unit 8010, fewer movable parts may be required tomanufacture the housing of support unit 8010. This may allow differentshapes and types of clamps 8008 to be used with support unit 8010, tosupport different types of water pipes. Additionally, this mayfacilitate replacement in case of failure of the clamp 8008.

In some embodiments, the support unit 1001 may include alternative waterpipe securement mechanisms. In some such embodiments, the clamp 1002 maybe omitted.

For example, FIG. 6D illustrates an example of a securement mechanism8002 in the form of a suction cup 8102. In some embodiments, the suctioncup 8102 may be an active suction cup in which the support unit 8001includes an actuator that pulls the water pipe 8421 onto the cup 8102 inresponse to an activation switch. The water pipe 8421 may be placed inproximity to the suction cup 8102, a button can be pressed and the waterpipe 8421 can be sucked onto the suction cup 8102 generating a vacuumtherebetween securing the water pipe 8421 to the suction cup 8102.Alternatively, a user may manually secure the water pipe 8421 to thesuction cup 8102.

FIG. 6I illustrates another alternative example in which an adhesive8022 is used as a securement mechanism. In the example shown in FIG. 6I,the adhesive 8022 may be an adhesive tape that can adhere the water pipe8421 to the rotating portion 8678 a. Optionally the water pipe 8421 maybe adhered directly to the first housing 8010.

Various alternative securement mechanisms may also be used inembodiments of the support units 1001 described herein. For instance,hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the water pipe 8421 (or aclamp 8008) to support unit 8010. In some embodiments, hook and loopfasteners may be used to secure the water pipe 8421 to the rotatingportion 8678 a rather than directly to support unit 8010. Zip ties orother fastening system may also be used to frictionally engage the waterpipe 8421 to the rotating portion 8678 a or directly to support unit8010.

In some cases, magnets may be used to couple the water pipe 8421 to therotating portion 8678 a or directly to support unit 8010. For example,one or more magnets may be adhered to the water pipe 8421 andcorresponding magnets may be provided as part of the support unit 8010.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent aninclusive − or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y orboth, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended tomean X or Y or

Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments,it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of thedescribed embodiments are susceptible to modification without departingfrom the spirit and principles of operation of the describedembodiments. For example, the various characteristics which aredescribed by means of the represented embodiments or examples may beselectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has beendescribed above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed conceptand non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat other variants and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. Thescope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodimentsand examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistentwith the description as a whole.

1.-23. (canceled)
 24. A vaporization device for vaporizing phytomaterial and/or phyto material extracts, the vaporization device beingfluidly engageable with a vapor processing device, the vapor processingdevice having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a vaporprocessing device fluid pathway formed between the input port and theinhalation aperture, the vaporization device comprising: a vaporizationelement comprising: a hollow member extending from a first end to asecond end, the hollow member defining a vaporization element fluidpathway from a vapor inlet positioned at the first end to a vapor outletpositioned at the second end, wherein the hollow member is engageablewith the vapor processing device with the vapor outlet in fluidcommunication with the input port; a heating chamber fluidly coupledwith the first end of the hollow member, the heating chamber comprisinga phyto material contact element, a chamber lid, and at least onesidewall extending between the chamber base and the chamber lid whereina heating chamber volume is bounded by the chamber lid, the at least onesidewall, and a first side of the phyto material contact element, andthe first side of the phyto material contact element defines a phytomaterial contact surface; an electrical heating unit positionedproximate to a second side of the phyto material contact element,wherein the phyto material contact element is solid and separates theelectrical heating unit from the phyto material contact surface; a basethat is detachably attachable to the vapor processing device, the basecomprising: an electrical power source; a control circuit electricallycoupled to the electrical power source; and an electrical connector thatis engageable with the vaporization element to couple the electricalheating unit to the control circuit; wherein the control circuit isconfigured to controllably provide electrical power from the electricalpower source to the electrical heating unit thereby heating theelectrical heating unit, and thermal energy from the electrical heatingunit is transmittable through the phyto material contact element fromthe second side of the phyto material contact element to the phytomaterial contact surface to heat the phyto material contact surface to apreselected vaporization temperature whereby when phyto material ispositioned on the phyto material contact surface a vapor is emitted. 25.The vaporization device of claim 24, wherein the vaporization element ismounted directly to the base.
 26. The vaporization device of claim 24,wherein the chamber base has a circular outer perimeter.
 27. Thevaporization device of claim 26, wherein the chamber base is annular.28. The vaporization device of claim 24, wherein the electrical heatingunit is one of embedded or sintered into the phyto material contactelement.
 29. The vaporization device of claim 24, wherein thevaporization element comprising a heating section and a vaporizationsection, the heating chamber is provided by the vaporization section andthe electrical heating unit is provided by the heating section, whereinthe heating section has a diameter greater than the diameter of theheating chamber.
 30. The vaporization device of claim 29, wherein theheating section at least partially surrounds the heating chamber. 31.The vaporization device of claim 24, further comprising a temperaturesensor proximate the heating chamber and/or the electrical heating unit,wherein the control circuit is operable to receive a temperature signalfrom the temperature sensor and control the operation of the electricalheating unit to maintain the preselected vaporization temperature. 32.The vaporization device of claim 24, wherein the vapor outlet fluidlyengages the input port when the hollow member is engaged with the vaporprocessing device.
 33. The vaporization device of claim 24, wherein thevapor inlet is positioned above the chamber base.
 34. The vaporizationdevice of claim 33, wherein the vapor inlet is positioned in the atleast one sidewall.
 35. A vaporization device for vaporizing phytomaterial and/or phyto material extracts, the vaporization device beingfluidly engageable with a vapor processing device, the vapor processingdevice having an input port and an inhalation aperture with a vaporprocessing device fluid pathway formed between the input port and theinhalation aperture, the vaporization device comprising: a vaporizationelement comprising: a hollow member extending from a first end to asecond end, the hollow member defining a vaporization element fluidpathway from a vapor inlet positioned at the first end to a vapor outletpositioned at the second end, wherein the hollow member is engageablewith the vapor processing device with the vapor outlet in fluidcommunication with the input port; a heating chamber fluidly coupledwith the first end of the hollow member, the heating chamber comprisinga phyto material contact element, a chamber lid, and at least onesidewall extending between the chamber base and the chamber lid whereina heating chamber volume is bounded by the chamber lid, the at least onesidewall, and a first side of the phyto material contact element, andthe first side of the phyto material contact element defines a phytomaterial contact surface; an electrical heating unit positionedproximate to a second side of the phyto material contact element; a basethat is detachably attachable to the vapor processing device, the basecomprising: an electrical power source; a control circuit electricallycoupled to the electrical power source; an electrical connector that isengageable with the vaporization element to couple the electricalheating unit to the control circuit; a temperature sensor proximate theheating chamber and/or the electrical heating unit; a user inputinterface operable to control activation of the electrical heating unit;and a status indicator operable to output a visual indication of astatus of the vaporization device; wherein the control circuit isconfigured to controllably provide electrical power from the electricalpower source to the electrical heating unit in response to input fromthe user input interface thereby heating the electrical heating unit,and thermal energy from the electrical heating unit is transmittablethrough the phyto material contact element from the second side of thephyto material contact element to the phyto material contact surface toheat the phyto material contact surface to a preselected vaporizationtemperature whereby when phyto material is positioned on the phytomaterial contact surface a vapor is emitted; and the control circuit isoperable to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor andcontrol the operation of the electrical heating unit to maintain thepreselected vaporization temperature.
 36. The vaporization device ofclaim 35, wherein the user input interface is operable to adjust thepreselected vaporization temperature.
 37. The vaporization device ofclaim 36, wherein the user input interface comprises separate userinputs for controlling activation of the electrical heating unit and foradjusting the preselected vaporization temperature.
 38. The vaporizationdevice of claim 35, wherein the status indicator is operable to output atemperature visual indicator indicating a current temperature of theelectrical heating unit and/or the phyto material contact surface. 39.The vaporization device of claim 38, wherein the temperature visualindicator changes temperature in dependence on the current temperatureof the electrical heating unit and/or the phyto material contactsurface.
 40. The vaporization device of claim 35, wherein the statusindicator is operable to output an activated status of the vaporizationdevice indicating that the preselected vaporization temperature has beenreached.
 41. The vaporization device of claim 40, wherein the statusindicator is configured to change colors to indicate that thepreselected vaporization temperature has been reached.
 42. Thevaporization device of claim 35, wherein the base further comprises awireless communication interface operable to wirelessly receive deviceuser inputs from a user device.
 43. The vaporization device of claim 42,wherein the device user inputs are defined through a mobile applicationassociated with the vaporization device.